Jade Damarell, a 32-year-old marketing manager with over 400 skydives to her name, tragically died during a jump in County Durham last Sunday. The incident occurred at Wreford Farm in Shotton Colliery, where Jade plummeted to the ground, a fall witnessed by at least one other person. Emergency services arrived promptly, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Jade is survived by her husband, James, whom she married in 2019, and her mother, Liz Samuel.
Initially, many speculated that the cause of her death could be attributed to a parachute malfunction or entangled lines. However, the skydiving group she was with, SkyHigh Skydiving, later indicated that Jade's death might have been the result of "a deliberate act." A spokesperson for SkyHigh Skydiving stated, "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 taken to end her own life." They also expressed their condolences to Jade's family and friends and emphasised the importance of seeking help for those in emotional distress.
In the days leading up to her death, Jade was notably active in the skydiving community, completing an impressive eleven jumps within 48 hours. A friend commented, "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." Such dedication was reflected not only in her extensive jump record but also in personal anecdotes shared by her mother, Liz. In a Facebook post from August 2024, Liz described a joint skydiving experience in which Jade provided reassurance and confidence, highlighting the bond they shared through the sport.
The police have ruled out any suspicious circumstances surrounding Jade's death. A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary provided details of the incident, stating, "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. Sadly, a woman in her 30s was pronounced dead at the scene." A formal inquest is set to determine the exact circumstances surrounding her final moments.
The skydiving incident marks the third death related to skydiving in the area since 2016. Previous incidents include the tragic deaths of two other skydivers in 2016 and 2024. Most notably, in April 2024, a videographer named Sam Cornwell was killed when his parachute malfunctioned during a jump. An inquest revealed that his primary canopy opened but became twisted, leaving him unable to utilise the reserve parachute effectively.
Wreford Farm issued a statement expressing sorrow over Jade's death, calling for prayers and respect for her family during this difficult time. A representative from British Skydiving confirmed their cooperation with local authorities and indicated the establishment of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances of the accident.
As the investigation proceeds and an inquest is awaited, Jade's legacy within the skydiving community remains profound, reflecting both her passion for the sport and the deep connections she forged with those around her.
Source: Noah Wire Services