Latest news with #JadeDamarell


Daily Mirror
08-08-2025
- Daily Mirror
Skydiver dies after midair crash with other jumper in front of horrified festival crowd
The fatal accident occurred at the Montana Lost Prairie Boogie skydiving festival on Monday morning, after two skydivers crashed into each other mid-air before falling to the ground A skydiver is dead after suffering a horror mid-air collision with another jumper at a major festival, according to police. The fatal accident occurred at the Montana Lost Prairie Boogie skydiving festival on Monday morning, after two skydivers crashed into each other mid-air before falling to the ground. According to the Flathead County Sheriff's office, one of the skydivers was knocked unconscious immediately after the horrifying incident. The victim, who has not been named, saw their emergency parachute automatically deployed as they fell, but suffered catastrophic injuries while landing. Emergency services were already at the event and quickly rushed over to the skydivers, where they tried to treat the victim who suffered a hard landing. Tragically, the skydiver was declared dead at the scene. It comes after a similar incident in Rochelle, Illinois last month, where two skydivers' canopies collapsed after a mid-air collision. The other skydiver was able to deploy their parachute after the collision and land safely. They were assessed and cleared by medics at the scene. The tragic accident happened at Lost Prairie Boogie, which draws hundreds of parachutists, and was the 58th summer it has been held. Meadow Peak, which holds the festival, said their "hearts are broken" by the tragic accident. 'This is a devastating loss, and our deepest sympathies are with the [parachutist's] family, friends and the entire sky diving community,' the company said after the accident. 'Our hearts are broken.' It comes after a skydiver who plummeted to her death at 10,000ft had split from her boyfriend just hours before she died. Jade Damarell, 32, died after crashing onto farmland in the village of Shotton Colliery, County Durham, on April 27. The marketing manager, who was born in Hong Kong and lived in Caerphilly, Wales, was an experienced skydiver who had accomplished more than 400 jumps. It's understood police quickly identified the tragedy as non-suspicious after discovering a note, and an inquest heard that there was 'no reason to suspect' her equipment was not working on the day she died. She had been in a relationship with Ben Goodfellow, 26, a fellow skydiving enthusiast, for approximately six to eight months. The couple had been living together in a double room at a property near the airfield, rented specifically for parachutists, for several months. A friend described their bond as extremely close. The source said: 'They were inseparable. They did everything together and didn't really interact much with others. They often went skydiving as a pair. They had been living together since Christmas and had been dating for a few months before that.' According to the friend, the night before Ms. Damarell's death, Mr. Goodfellow ended the relationship. He reportedly went to work the following day, during which time the tragedy occurred.

News.com.au
27-05-2025
- News.com.au
Experienced skydiver dumped by boyfriend night before jumping to her death
The experienced UK skydiver thought to have deliberately jumped to her death last month had been dumped by her boyfriend the night before, according to a new report. Jade Damarell — who had more than 400 successful jumps — was killed instantly during her last skydive on April 27 as she crashed into a farmer's field in County Durham in northeast England. Damarell, 32, was dumped by fellow skydiver Ben Goodfellow, 26, just a day before the fatal jump, the Daily Mail reported. 'The two of them were inseparable,' an anonymous friend told the Daily Mail of the pair, who dated for around eight months. 'They spent all their time together, they didn't really engage with anyone else. They did skydives together all the time.' 'The night before Jade died, Ben called off the relationship,' the friend added. 'He went to work the next day, and that's when Jade fell to her death,' the friend said. The couple had lived together in a double room at a property rented out to parachutists near the airfield for several months, according to the outlet. Goodfellow was also a technician at Nissan and the lead guitarist and vocalist for indie band Post Rome, which cancelled a gig shortly after Damarell's death due to 'unseen circumstances,' the outlet said. Police said Damarell's death is 'not being treated as suspicious' — and the company she jumped with said that 'all indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act taken to end her own life.' A friend previously told the Daily Mail that 'everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised' by the 32-year-old's death because 'she was very much part of the skydiving community'. 'She was mad for the sport,' the unidentified friend said. 'In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.' At least one person witnessed Damarell jump to her death, according to the outlet. The local police department, the Durham Constabulary, said: 'Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.'


New York Post
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Experienced skydiver thought to have leapt to her death was dumped by boyfriend the night before
The experienced UK skydiver thought to have deliberately jumped to her death last month had been dumped by her boyfriend the night before, according to a new report. Jade Damarell — who had more than 400 successful jumps — was killed instantly during her last skydive on April 27th as she crashed into a farmer's field in County Durham in northeast England. Damarell, 32, was dumped by fellow skydiver Ben Goodfellow, 26, just a day before the fatal jump, the Daily Mail reported. 3 An experienced skydiver who fell to her death in the UK last month in 'a deliberate act taken to end her own life' had split from her boyfriend just a day before the tragedy. Jade Damarell / Facebook 'The two of them were inseparable,' an anonymous friend told the Daily Mail of the pair, who dated for around eight months. 'They spent all their time together, they didn't really engage with anyone else. They did skydives together all the time.' 'The night before Jade died, Ben called off the relationship,' the friend added. 'He went to work the next day, and that's when Jade fell to her death,' the friend said. The couple had lived together in a double room at a property rented out to parachutists near the airfield for several months, according to the outlet. 3 Fellow skydiver Ben Goodfellow called off his relationship with Damarell were in a six-to-eight-month relationship and had lived together. Facebook / Ben Goodfellow Goodfellow was also a technician at Nissan and the lead guitarist and vocalist for indie band Post Rome, which cancelled a gig shortly after Damarell's death due to 'unseen circumstances,' the outlet said. Police said Damarell's death is 'not being treated as suspicious' — and the company she jumped with said that 'all indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act taken to end her own life.' A friend previously told the Daily Mail that 'everyone is devastated and deeply traumatized' by the 32-year-old's death because 'she was very much part of the skydiving community.' 3 The company she jumped with said that 'all indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act taken to end her own life.' Instagram / Jade Damarell 'She was mad for the sport,' the unidentified friend said. 'In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.' At least one person witnessed Damarell jump to her death, according to the outlet. The local police department, the Durham Constabulary, said: 'Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.' If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to


Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Telegraph
Skydiver who jumped to her death ‘split with boyfriend day before'
A skydiver who fell 10,000ft to her death had reportedly split up with her boyfriend shortly before the tragedy. Jade Damarell, 32, a parachutist who had made more than 400 jumps, died instantly after the fall during a jump in Shotton Colliery, County Durham,last month. According to the Mail, Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day before going on the jump. She had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year. The 32-year-old, a marketing manager, had been in a relationship with skydiver Ben Goodfellow, 26, for about six to eight months. One friend told the newspaper: 'The two of them were inseparable. They spent all their time together, they didn't really engage with anyone else. They did skydives together all the time.' Another friend claimed a suicide note referencing the break-up had been found by police, saying: 'I know Jade had broken it off with Ben a few times, but the Saturday was the first time he had called it off with her. 'Chose not to open her parachute' A third friend of Ms Damarell claimed she 'chose not to open her parachute' during the fatal descent. They 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.' It was originally assumed Ms Damarell's death on April 27 was an accident, but SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been 'a deliberate act'. A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident 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.' Police and emergency services were called to Wreford's Farm in Shotton Colliery, where Ms Damarell landed. She was pronounced dead at the scene. One person was believed to have witnessed the incident.


Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Daily Mail
The tragedy behind skydiver, 32, who jumped to her death from 10,000ft
EXCLUSIVE The tragedy behind skydiver, 32, who jumped to her death from 10,000ft For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit or visit A skydiver feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky had split with her boyfriend shortly before the tragedy, it's understood. Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions. MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies. She had been in a relationship with Ben Goodfellow, 26, also a keen skydiver, for around six to eight months. The couple had lived together in a double room at a property rented out to parachutists near to the airfield for a number of months. One friend said: 'The two of them were inseparable. 'They spent all their time together, they didn't really engage with anyone else. They did skydives together all the time. Skydiver Jade Damarell, who is feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky had split with her boyfriend shortly before the tragedy, it is understood She had been in a relationship with Ben Goodfellow, 26, also a keen skydiver, for around six to eight months The couple had lived together in a double room at a property rented out to parachutists near to the airfield for a number of months 'They had been living in the lodgings since Christmas and had been together a couple more months before that. 'The night before Jade died, Ben called off the relationship. 'He went to work the next day, and that's when Jade fell to her death.' Mr Goodfellow, a technician at car manufacturer Nissan, did not respond to requests for comment. He is also the lead singer and guitarist in Sunderland indie band Post Rome, whose songs have been featured on BBC Introducing. The band cancelled a gig in the wake of the tragedy citing 'unforeseen circumstances'. Initial reports had assumed Ms Damarell's death on April 27 was a tragic accident. But SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been 'a deliberate act'. A friend claimed a suicide note was found by police 'referencing the break up' The experienced parachutist died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham An inquest opened into Ms Damarell's death this week heard there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure'. A friend claimed a suicide note was found by police 'referencing the break up'. They said: 'I know Jade had broken it off with Ben a few times, but the Saturday was the first time he had called it off with her. 'Ben is a quiet guy - he is absolutely distraught by what has happened.' Ms Damarell, who worked as a marketing manager for Silver Spoon after graduating from Leeds university, 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. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances Initial reports had assumed Ms Damarell¿s death on April 27 was a tragic accident. Pictured: Jade Damarell with her parents Liz and Andrew SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been 'a deliberate act' An inquest opened into Ms Damarell's death this week heard there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure' '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'. She had previously been married to a Leeds-based lawyer 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.' A friend of Ms Damarell, who was born in Hong Kong, claimed she 'chose not to open her parachute' during the fatal descent. Ms Damarell, who worked as a marketing manager for Silver Spoon after graduating from Leeds university, had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year Friends said her parachute did not open as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph They 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. 'Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community. 'She was mad for it. In the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.' SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement and said that they had been given 'all indications' from police 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.' An inquest into the circumstances of her death was opened and adjourned at Crook Coroners's Court, Co. Durham, on Thursday. 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 the skydiving club. Mr Chipperfield adjourned the inquest to August 21. Mr Goodfellow, of Sunderland, did not respond to requests to comment. - For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit or visit