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.
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, who works as a car technician and is a member of the band Post Rome, has not commented on the tragic event but has canceled 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.
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 is employed at a nearby farm, mentioned: “Several people have informed me that she acted with intention — 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.”
Jade studied marketing at university in Leeds before marrying solicitor James Damarell in 2019.
Earlier reports suggested they lived in Yorkshire but are thought to have parted ways, with Jade subsequently relocating to a rented space for 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.
