Parachutist who fell to her death in ‘tragic’ skydive named
A woman who died in a skydiving accident in County Durham has been named as 32-year-old Jade Damarell.
The experienced skydiver, who had completed more than 400 jumps, fell to her death at Wrefords’ Farm in Shotton, County Durham.
Company Sky-High Skydiving described her death as ‘tragic’, adding there were indications it was ‘a deliberate act taken to end her own life’.
A coroner is yet to rule on the circumstances surrounding her death.
Sky-High Skydiving said: ‘It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place involving a valued member of our community.
‘Our thoughts are with her family and friends as they face this unimaginable loss.
‘We urge anyone in crisis to speak to someone or reach out to a mental health professional.’
Wrefords’ Farm said: ‘Tragically, last Sunday 27/4/25 a woman lost her life after a parachute incident/accident, please join us in saying a prayer for her and her family, we ask the Lord to accept her into the kingdom of heaven and strength to her family.
‘We ask for our own and farms privacy for this deeply upsetting matter to be respected. God bless.’
One of her friends said the community in Shotton is ‘devastated and deeply traumatised’.
Need support?
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS, the Prevention of Young Suicide UK.
Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
They told Mail Online: ‘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. In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.’
Durham Constabulary said: ‘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. Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.’
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