Tragic update into death of skydiver, 32, feared to have taken own life after jumping 10,000ft from plane
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.
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, 56, who works on farm nearby, previously said: “I’ve been told by quite a few people that she knew what she was doing — she had apparently 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.
It was previously reported they lived in Yorkshire but are believed to have separated, with Jade later moving into rented accommodation used 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.
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It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
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If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
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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.