Latest news with #skydiving
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Top things to do from May 30 to June 1 in the country
The weekend is here, so is our guide to the best activities and offers around the UAE. Here's the list: Let's go skydiving! This summer, Skydive Dubai—renowned as the world's top skydiving destination—is offering a special seasonal rate of Dh2,499 for tandem jumps at its iconic Palm Dropzone from June to September. Each experience includes a professionally edited video and photo gallery, with optional add-ons like social media-ready clips and selfie-view footage. With early morning check-ins to catch the golden hour, thrill-seekers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Dubai coastline, Palm Jumeirah, and endless skies while freefalling at 200km/h. Whether marking a milestone or chasing a bucket list moment, it's the ultimate way to start the day from 13,000 feet. Groove to Gordo On May 31, BCH:CLB—Dubai's premier beachfront destination—welcomes the return of global electronic music icon Gordo for a high-energy night of immersive beats and euphoric vibes under the stars. Known for his chart-topping hits and collaborations with artists like Drake and Keinemusik, Gordo (aka Diamante Anthony Blackmon) brings his signature blend of tech house and Latin rhythms back to the open-air venue on Palm Jumeirah. The electrifying event promises cutting-edge soundscapes, breathtaking views, and a night to remember in one of Dubai's most exclusive party scenes. Limited-edition smoothie free with every order at new Abu Dhabi spot Krave, the UAE's popular health-focused dining brand, is making its Abu Dhabi debut on May 31 with its largest outlet yet in Al Qana, the capital's scenic waterfront destination. Known for its fresh, made-to-order meals and vibrant, natural interiors, Krave brings its wellness-driven philosophy to a new audience while celebrating the launch with a limited-time 'Blue Sky' smoothie, free with every purchase for a month. The new location seats up to 100 guests and will offer signature menu favorites like the Chicken Burrito Bowl and Acai Bowl, all served with full macronutrient transparency and no added sugars. Chinese food, anyone? For a refined weekend dining experience, book a table at Mott 32—one of the most awarded Chinese restaurant brands in the world. With locations in Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Singapore, and Dubai, Mott 32 brings modern Hong Kong cuisine to life through traditional recipes, premium global ingredients, and a commitment to sustainability. The Dubai outpost has earned accolades including a Gault & Millau 2025 toque, Michelin Guide Dubai 2024 recognition, and the 2023 Restaurant & Bar Design Award. Expect a sophisticated atmosphere, bold flavours, and dishes that balance authenticity with contemporary flair. Sip & snap with Barakat Looking for a fun, flavour-packed outing this weekend? Head to Kite Beach, Dubai on May 31 or Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi on June 1 as Barakat transforms these hotspots into vibrant mocktail playgrounds. Expect free mocktail tastings, eye-catching billboard pop-ups, Instagrammable photo ops, and non-stop giveaways. With refreshing, all-natural flavours like Bellini and Blue Lagoon on offer, it's the perfect way to beat the heat and score some exclusive Barakat merch while you're at it. Get stylish this summer Elevate your wardrobe with Lewis James' Summer 2025 capsule—where effortless elegance meets conscious craftsmanship. The collection features standout pieces like the Iris Shirt, made from sustainable TENCEL™ with fluid florals; the Oversized Bowling Shirt, cut from organic cotton for modern ease; and the Verona Jacquard Shirt, offering silky-soft texture and understated glamour. Thoughtfully produced and beautifully detailed, each piece blends style with sustainability. Saturday live music nights Add a touch of glam to your weekend at La Camera! By TOTÓ, where Italian elegance meets live entertainment every Saturday night. The chic Downtown Dubai venue hosts the 'Battle of the Bands' series—featuring a new live band weekly. On May 31, catch 'Billu and the Brownies' as they bring their soulful sound to the stage. Expect a stylish evening of cinematic-inspired interiors, Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, curated beverages by mixologist Nikola Lemic, and smooth tunes ranging from funk to swing. Music kicks off at 9pm—perfect for a romantic night out or a spirited evening with friends.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Skydiving star's heartbreaking tribute to wife after she died in a freak accident at 28: 'All I see is agony'
The husband of a skydiver who died after a parachute jump took a tragic turn has penned a heartbreaking tribute - 300 days after her death. Skydiving instructor Devrey Jane LaRiccia Chase, 28, and her student were on a routine tandem skydive when they collided with dust devils - small, tornado-like whirlwinds made of dust and wind - causing them to crash into a field in California. Both died from severe injuries sustained in the freak accident on August 2, 2024. In an emotional tribute, her grieving husband Freddy Chase - a fellow skydiver famously known for his daredevil content - detailed his struggles after losing his 'love, my guardian angel, my world, my everything.' 'Falling for Angels. It's been 300 days… 300 days of not hearing your soft voice, not kissing your addictive lips, not losing track of time in your gorgeous eyes,' Freddy said in an Instagram post. Almost 10 months after her death, Freddy said he returned to the restaurant where they had their first date to reflect on their relationship. 'Trying to find the words to express what it's been like with you gone all this time and the pain it's caused me. I don't think words like that even exist yet,' he explained. 'Life itself has lost its colour. Food has lost its taste. Even family and friendships have lost connection. Hurt fills most of the seconds in my days. Pain and sorrow build with every passing week. 'Looking to the future, all I see is agony and torment - because that's what life has become without you. The simplest reason for this suffering is how much I love and miss you. And it's a price I will gladly pay for the rest of my life just to say: "I fell for an angel".' Freddy said he felt like the 'luckiest man who ever lived' when he was with Devrey. 'The love you had for me was the purest form of love I'll ever know. The richest man on earth couldn't buy it. The world's smartest philosophers or professors couldn't explain it,' he said. 'The love we shared went beyond human understanding, something eternal, something truly God-given. Pure love. As much as it hurts to go on without you, I know you'd want me to bear this life, even without you, and keep moving forward. 'You know I was never one for sentimental things, but for you, there isn't a price on this earth I wouldn't pay. A million times over.' The devastated man went on to say that his 'biggest dream' is the day he'll get to 'walk hand-in-hand' with Devrey again. 'To this day, I love you more than I love myself, more than anything I've ever had in my life. As I raise my glass in a toast, remembering the night I first brought you here - I honor you, your presence, your spirit,' he added. His tribute comes nearly 10 months after Devrey unexpectedly died on her 'final jump of the day'. 'Devrey went to work happy as ever. It was a beautiful day and she was a tandem instructor that day, on her last jump she took a student on a regular day to day skydive,' Freddy said at the time. 'There was no malfunction, there was no plane incident, she was turning her canopy on final to come land safely on the grass, like she has done hundreds of times. 'She noticed what we call in the industry 'dust devils' small little tornados that are dangerous in the sport. 'At about 40ft Devrey avoided one of them, but caught a second one, with dust devils going over grass they become invisible because you can't see any dust in the direction there going.' He said that his wife was sent into 'an uncontrolled spin', hitting the ground with force. She was found alive but later died in hospital at the age of 28. 'My soul, my love, my other half, my baby my ride or die, my everything, my wife. You were too perfect for this world and God just wanted to bring you home, you were an angel amongst us and just was called back to heaven,' Freddy said. 'Having to say goodbye to you for now will forever be the hardest thing I will ever do in my life. I love you so much my now and forever angel.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
NewsNation celebrates Fleet Week skydiving with Navy SEALs
(NewsNation) — As Fleet Week wraps up in Los Angeles, NewsNation took up an offer to skydive with Navy SEALs from two miles in the sky. During the fall from the sky, speeds up to 120 miles per hour were reached. Former Navy SEAL Team Seven member TJ Amdahl explained to NewsNation why parachuting is still necessary in the current age of technology. DEA warns of cartel-run fentanyl 'super labs' 'I'm thankful for a lot of the options that we have with drones and robots that are coming online in the United States Navy, but no matter what, you can't replace a human in a position of decision-making for that process,' Amdahl said. 'I like to say we have a lot of high-tech solutions, but sometimes a low-tech solution, like parachute landing, protects the aircraft and simplifies the problem.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- 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
5 days ago
- 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
