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Sky News
22-05-2025
- Sky News
'No reason to suspect equipment failure' in fatal skydive, inquest told
There was "no reason to suspect equipment failure" after a woman died while skydiving, an inquest has heard. Jade Damarell died after crashing onto farmland in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, on 27 April. At a brief inquest opening hearing on Thursday, coroner's officer Alexis Blighe told the court Ms Damarell was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and lived in Caerphilly, South Wales. Ms Blighe said she understood the 32-year-old was "involved in a parachute incident on 27 April". A post-mortem examination found that she had died as a result of "blunt trauma". The court heard the body was identified by Bryn Chaffe, the chief instructor at the skydiving firm Ms Damarell used. Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield asked Ms Blighe: "There's no reason to suspect equipment failure?" Ms Blighe replied: "No reason at all." The inquest was adjourned until 21 August. After her death, her family had told reporters: "Skydiving and its fantastic community meant so much to Jade and we're incredibly comforted by how admired, respected and deeply loved she was. "We miss her beyond words but Jade's love, brilliance, courage and light will live on in our family and among all those who knew and loved her." Following Ms Damarell's death, Sky-High Skydiving, which is based at Shotton airfield, said: "It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place involving a valued member of our community."
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Telegraph
Skydiver who fell to her death did not have a broken parachute, inquest hears
A skydiver's parachute was not broken when she fell to her death, an inquest hearing was told. Marketing manager Jade Damarell, 32, died after crashing onto farmland near Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery, County Durham on April 27. Coroner's officer Alexis Blighe was told 'there was no reason to suspect equipment failure' at a brief inquest opening hearing in Crook, County Durham. The court heard that Ms Damarell was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and lived in Caerphilly, Wales. Ms Blighe said: 'I understand the circumstances to be that Ms Damarell was involved in a parachute incident on April 27.' According to a post-mortem examination carried out by Dr James Henry at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, she had died as a result of 'blunt trauma'. Ms Blighe said the body was identified by Bryn Chaffe who was chief instructor at the skydiving firm she used. Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield asked Ms Blighe: 'There's no reason to suspect equipment failure?' Ms Blighe replied: 'No reason at all.' Mr Chipperfield adjourned the full inquest until Aug 21. It has been previously reported that Ms Damarell was a highly experienced skydiver. Following her death, Sky-High Skydiving said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place involving a valued member of our community.' It was previously reported that Ms Damarell had been living in lodgings in Shotton since the end of last year, renting a double bed in a house used by skydivers staying over in the village. She had been living with a man she described to friends as her 'boyfriend'. One friend said: 'She had been staying in the digs since the end of last year. There are bunk beds for skydivers who come from all over the country to parachute. Jade rented a double room and told us that he was her boyfriend. 'No one is living there now.' 'She was mad for the sport' Ms Damarell had previously married in 2019, but the pair were said to have become estranged. Another friend said: 'This wasn't a skydiving accident – we believe she intended to take her life, sadly. 'She skydived with someone else, broke off and turned onto her back and impacted. 'She chose not to open her parachute, and she landed on her back.' A third friend of Ms Damarell said: 'Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community. 'She was mad for the sport. In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.' A file has been passed to the coroner, and an inquest will be opened in due course. In a tribute to their daughter, Ms Damarell's parents Andrew and Elizabeth Samuel said: 'It is with immense sadness that we share the loss of our beloved daughter, Jade. A brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary person. A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion, and love, and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness. 'Professionally, Jade was exceptionally talented and admired for her creativity and dedication in marketing. Personally, Jade had recently begun training for her pilot's licence and as a keen skydiver, Jade found freedom and purpose. 'Skydiving and its fantastic community meant so much to Jade, and we're incredibly comforted by how admired, respected, and deeply loved she was. 'We miss her beyond words, but Jade's love, brilliance, courage, and light will live on in our family and among all those who knew and loved her. Some stars are so bright, they burn through their time too quickly – but their light never truly fades. 'We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the emergency services and the local first responders, as well as the skydiving community. Your care and compassion mean more to us than we can express. 'Lastly, if you are struggling, please reach out. Talk to someone – a friend, loved one, or professional. You are never alone. 'Please respect our family's privacy as we come to terms with this devastating loss.'
BBC News
22-05-2025
- BBC News
Shotton Colliery skydive inquest into Jade Damarell death begins
An inquest hearing for a 32-year-old woman who died while skydiving was told "there was no reason to suspect equipment failure".Marketing manager Jade Damarell died after crashing on to farmland near Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery, County Durham, on 27 April.A post-mortem examination at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle found she died as a result of "blunt trauma".The brief opening hearing in Crook, County Durham, was adjourned until a full inquest on 21 August. Ms Damarell was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and lived in Caerphilly, Wales, coroner's officer Alexis Blighe told the Blighe said: "I understand the circumstances to be that Ms Damarell was involved in a parachute incident on 27 April."Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield asked Ms Blighe: "There's no reason to suspect equipment failure?"Ms Blighe replied: "No reason at all."Ms Blighe said the body was identified by Bryn Chaffe, who was chief instructor at the skydiving firm she her death, Sky-High Skydiving said: "It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place involving a valued member of our community." Additional reporting by PA Media Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- The Sun
Tragic update into death of skydiver, 32, feared to have taken own life after jumping 10,000ft from plane
A SKYDIVER who died after jumping 10,000ft from a plane had no sign of equipment failure, an inquest heard. Jade Damarell, 32, died instantly after hitting the ground in Peterlee, County Durham, without her chute opening. 5 5 Her skydiving club, Sky-High Skydiving, later said the horror appeared to be 'a deliberate act'. An inquest heard today how there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure'. Coroner's officer Alexis Blighe said Jade's provisional cause of Jade's death was listed as "blunt trauma". Crook Coroners's Court heard Jade's body was identified by Bryn Chaffe, the chief instructor at Ms Damarell's skydiving club. Area coroner Jeremy Chipperfield adjourned the full inquest until August 21. The tragedy unfolded on April 27 as Jade, who had completed more than 400 jumps, hit the ground at Wrefords' Farm. Nigel Wreford, 56, who works on farm nearby, previously said: 'I've been told by quite a few people that she knew what she was doing — she had apparently left a suicide note.' While a friend said at the time: 'This wasn't an accident. We believe she intended to take her life, sadly." Durham Constabulary confirmed the Jade's death was not being treated as suspicious. Jade studied marketing at university in Leeds before marrying solicitor James Damarell in 2019. It was previously reported they lived in Yorkshire but are believed to have separated, with Jade later moving into rented accommodation used skydivers in Peterlee. Jade's family paid tribute following her death and called her a "brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary person". They said professionally, she was "exceptionally talented" and had found "freedom and purpose" with her skydiving. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 The family added: "A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion, and love, and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness. "We miss her beyond words but Jade's love, brilliance, courage, and light will live on in our family and among all those who knew and loved her. 'Some stars are so bright they burn through their time too quickly – but their light never truly fades. 'We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the emergency services and the local first responders as well as the skydiving community. Your care and compassion mean more to us than we can express. 'Lastly, if you are struggling, please reach out. Talk to someone – a friend, loved one, or professional. You are never alone." If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. 5 5
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Daily Mail
'Extraordinary' skydiver, 32, who plunged to her death had no signs of equipment malfunction, inquest told - amid fears incident was a 'deliberate act'
A skydiver feared to have taken her life in a tragic plunge from the skies had no signs of equipment malfunction, an inquest was told. Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist with more than 400 jumps to her name, died during a skydive in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham, on Sunday, April 27. Initial reports had assumed Jade's death was a tragic accident. But SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been 'a deliberate act'. An inquest into the circumstances of her death was today opened and adjourned at Crook Coroners's Court, Co. Durham. During a short two-minute hearing, area coroner Jeremy Chipperfield heard how there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure'. Coroner's officer Alexis Blighe said the provisional cause of Ms Damarell's death was listed as 'blunt trauma'. Ms Blighe said: 'This 32-year-old female was born on October 6, 1992, at Kowloon, Hong Kong. 'Her last employment status and occupation was a marketing manager. 'She died on April 27, 2025, on farmland near Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. 'I understand the circumstances to be that Ms Damarell was involved in a parachute incident on April 27, 2025. 'On May 2, 2025, Dr James Henry conducted a post-mortem examination at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary mortuary and gave cause of death as follows: 1a) blunt trauma.' The inquest was told that Ms Damarell's body was identified by Bryn Chaffe, the chief instructor at Ms Damarell's skydiving club. Mr Chipperfield adjourned the inquest to August 21. Ms Damarell, who worked as a marketing manager for Silver Spoon after graduating from Leeds university, had been living in lodgings near to the airfield and had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year. Friends said her parachute did not open as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph. In a statement,Ms Damarell's mother Liz and father Andrew paid tribute to their 'beloved daughter'. They said: 'It is with immense sadness that we share the loss of our beloved daughter, Jade. 'A brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary person. A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion, and love, and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness.' The tribute continued: 'Professionally, Jade was exceptionally talented and admired for her creativity and dedication in marketing. 'Personally, Jade had recently begun training for her pilot's licence and as a keen skydiver, Jade found freedom and purpose. 'Skydiving and its fantastic community meant so much to Jade, and we're incredibly comforted by how admired, respected, and deeply loved she was. 'We miss her beyond words, but Jade's love, brilliance, courage, and light will live on in our family and among all those who knew and loved her. Some stars are so bright, they burn through their time too quickly - but their light never truly fades. 'We want to extent our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the emergency services and the local first responders, as well as the skydiving community. Your care and compassion mean more to us than we can express. 'Lastly, if you are struggling, please reach out. Talk to someone - a friend, loved one, or professional. You are never alone.' Police and emergency services were called to Wreford's Farm in Shotton Colliery, where she landed, but Jade was pronounced dead at the scene. One person - a fellow skydiver - was believed to have witnessed the horror. Friend Danni Willis, who worked at SkyHigh Skydiving described Ms Damarell' as 'a beautiful girl inside and out'. It is understood she had rented a double room at the skydiving centre's lodgings and had been renting a double room with her boyfriend. She had previously been married but was said to have divorced. SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement, claiming 'all indications' from police were that 'this was a deliberate act'. A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April, 2025, involving a valued member of our community. 'All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act. 'This heartbreaking news has deeply affected all who knew her, and our thoughts are with her family and friends as they face this unimaginable loss. 'At this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy and compassion for those grieving.' The centre added: 'If you are struggling or in emotional distress, please know that you are not alone. Support is available. We urge anyone in crisis to speak to someone or reach out to a mental health professional. Even in the darkest moments, there is help and hope.' A Durham Constabulary spokesperson confirmed: 'A woman sadly died following a skydiving incident near Peterlee. 'Police officers and colleagues from the ambulance service were called to the incident in Shotton Colliery at around 10.30am on Sunday (April 27). 'Sadly, a woman in her thirties was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.' A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added: 'We were called to an incident at Shotton Colliery in County Durham on Sunday 27 April at 10:17. 'We dispatched one ambulance crew and one specialist paramedic to the incident.' Wreford Farm released a statement via Facebook in the wake of the tragedy, which read: 'Tragically, last Sunday 27/4/25 a woman lost her life after a parachute incident/accident, please join us in saying a prayer for her and her family, we ask the Lord to accept her into the kingdom of heaven and strength to her family. 'We ask for our own and farms privacy for this deeply upsetting matter to be respected. God bless.'
