A PARACHUTIST who died after jumping from 10,000ft is believed to have left a suicide note.
Jade Damarell, 32, who had successfully completed more than 400 jumps, died instantly when she hit the ground without her chute opening.
As friends and colleagues paid tribute to the “beautiful” marketing manager, her skydiving club said it appeared to be “a deliberate act”.
Local farm worker, Nigel Wreford, aged 56, shared: “Several individuals have mentioned to me that she was aware of what she was doing — it seems she had left a suicide note.”
A parachutist, deeply shaken by the tragic incident involving Jade last Sunday, sought refuge at Mr. Wreford’s home, which is situated near Sky-High Skydiving in Peterlee, Co Durham.
Mr Wreford added: “My wife was here when it happened and spoke to a parachutist who was coming out of the field.
“You can’t imagine how traumatic it must have been.
“She said he was in a hell of a state. He was very incoherent. It’s horrible. I can’t stop thinking about the girl and her family.”
Jade studied marketing at university in Leeds before marrying solicitor James Damarell in 2019.
They lived in Yorkshire but were thought to have separated.
At the end of last year she moved into rented digs used by enthusiasts from the Peterlee centre.
A friend of Jade’s said: “This wasn’t an accident. We believe she intended to take her life, sadly.
“She chose not to open her parachute and she landed on her back.”
The skydiving club issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a tragic event occurred involving a cherished 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.”
Jade had previously persuaded her mum to complete a jump at the Peterlee centre, despite her fear of heights.
Liz Samuel, of Caerphilly, South Wales, posted pictures online and wrote: “Such a bucket-list moment.
“Firstly watching my beautiful daughter Jade free-fly solo right before me, like a ninja.
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“Just wow . . . over a minute in freefall from 15,500ft, at around 120mph. Considering my fear of heights I still can’t quite believe I did it!
“This experience makes me even more proud of Jade’s amazing free-fly skills.”
It is the third fatal incident at the base in recent years.
Last April videographer Sam Cornwell, 46, of Hampshire, landed on a roof at a nearby industrial estate after failing to complete a safe landing.
Pamela Gower, 49, from Hebburn, South Tyneside, also died during a charity skydive there in 2016.
Tributes poured in for Jade, with Chris Brown posting a snap of them in a plane together. He said: “Forever in my heart.”
Danni Willis, who worked at the centre, added: “Such a beautiful girl inside and out.”
Durham Police said Jade was pronounced dead at the scene last Sunday morning.
It was not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.
Governing body British Skydiving said it would investigate to help the coroner.
