Photo of Jade Damarell.

A SKYDIVER who died after jumping 10,000ft from a plane had no sign of equipment failure, an inquest heard.

Jade Damarell, 32, died instantly after hitting the ground in Peterlee, County Durham, without her chute opening.

Photo of Jade Damarell.
Jade Damarell died while skydivingCredit: WNS
Skydiver falling from a plane.
The experienced skydiver is believed to have taken her own lifeCredit: WNS

Her skydiving club, Sky-High Skydiving, later said the horror appeared to be “a deliberate act”.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing or negligence by the skydiving centre.

An inquest heard today how there was “no reason to suspect equipment failure”.

Coroner’s officer Alexis Blighe said Jade’s provisional cause of Jade’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.

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, aged 56, an employee at a nearby farm, previously mentioned: “Several individuals have informed me that she was aware of her actions — it seems she had 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.”

Durham Constabulary confirmed the Jade’s death was not being treated as suspicious.

Jade studied marketing at university in Leeds before marrying solicitor James Damarell in 2019.

Earlier reports suggested they resided in Yorkshire but are thought to have gone their separate ways, with Jade subsequently relocating to rented housing frequented by skydivers in Peterlee.

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.

You’re Not Alone

EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide

It affects individuals universally, reaching into the lives of everyone, from those without homes or jobs to construction workers and medical professionals, as well as reality TV personalities and athletes.

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:

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.


Skydiver Jade Damarell at a landing site.
Jade had more than 400 jumps under her beltCredit: WNS
Photo of Jade Damarell.
The marketing manager had reportedly left a noteCredit: WNS
Photo of Jade Damarell.
Jade’s devastated family paid tributeCredit: WNS

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