Latest news with #SkyHighSkydiving
Mint
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
The day after her breakup, skilled skydiver ‘chooses' not to open her parachute 10,000 feet above ground
A day after her breakup, Jade Damarell, a skilled skydiver, 'chose' not to open her parachute 10,000 feet above ground and fell to her death in Caerphilly, South Wales. According to a Mirror report, Jade's death was initially assumed to be a tragic accident, but the SkyHigh Skydiving, the skydiving company she was associated with, said they suspected her death to have been 'a deliberate act'. Later, it became known that Jade, 32, had broken up with her boyfriend Ben Goodfellow, 26, the day before her fatal skydive. Jade had been dating Ben, a fellow skydiving enthusiast, for nearly eight months after her split from her ex-husband. According to MailOnline, they had been living together in a property near the airfield, rented specifically for parachutists. According to a Mirror report, Jade, a keen skydiver who had jumped around 80 times this year, deliberately failed to open her parachute as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph. The fatal skydive was marked 'non-suspicious' after the police discovered a note disclosing her intentions. Jade's friend also confirmed that the incident 'wasn't a skydiving accident'. Her friend said that they believe Jade intended to take her life. '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,' they said The friend also shared that the night before Jade's death, Ben had ended their relationship. He reportedly went to work the following day, during which time the tragedy occurred. Police and emergency services were called to a nearby farm, where she landed, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. One person is believed to have witnessed the horror. Ben Goodfellow is a Nissan technician and the lead singer and guitarist for the Sunderland-based indie band Post Rome, whose music has been featured on BBC Introducing. Following the incident, the band cancelled a scheduled performance, citing 'unforeseen circumstances.' Jade's friend described their bond as extremely close and said Jade was 'completely devastated' by the breakup, despite the fact that it was not the first time the couple had hit a rough patch. 'They were inseparable. They did everything together and didn't really interact much with others. They often went skydiving as a pair,' the friend said, adding that Jade and Ben had been living together since Christmas and had been dating for a few months before that. 'Jade had ended things with Ben on previous occasions, but Saturday was the first time he ended it with her. Ben is a quiet person - he's completely devastated by what's happened,' the friend added.
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.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- The Sun
Skydiver feared to have taken her own life after jumping 10,000ft from plane ‘had split with boyfriend before tragedy'
A TRAGIC skydiver is feared to have taken her own life jumping 10,000ft from a plane the day after splitting from her boyfriend. Jade Damarell, 32, died instantly after hitting the ground in Peterlee, County Durham, on April 27 earlier this year. 7 7 7 An inquest heard there were no signs of equipment failure but Jade's parachute never opened. Her skydiving club, Sky-High Skydiving, later said the horror appeared to be 'a deliberate act'. Durham Constabulary ruled out any third party involvement, and there was no suggestion of any wrongdoing or negligence by the skydiving centre. It has now emerged letters were left behind by Jade which suggested she intended to take her own life. As reported by MailOnline, Jade had broken up with her boyfriend Ben Goodfellow, 26, the day before her death. Mr Goodfellow, who was also a skydiving enthusiast, had been in a relationship with the 32-year-old for around eight months. A friend said dubbed the pair "inseparable" and claimed they "spent all their time together". They had been living together in a lodge on the skydiving site since Christmas. "The night before Jade died, they called off the relationship," claimed the source. "He went to work the next day, and that's when Jade fell to her death." Mr Goodfellow, a car technician and musician in the band Post Rome, has not spoken on the tragedy but cancelled performances due to "unforeseen circumstances". The source added how he is "absolutely distraught" by Jade's death. Coroner's officer Alexis Blighe said Jade's provisional cause of the skydiver'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. 7 7 7 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." 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. 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: 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. 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. 7
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.'
