A skydiver feared to have taken her life in a tragic plunge from the skies had no signs of equipment malfunction, an inquest was told.
Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist with more than 400 jumps to her name, died during a skydive in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham, on Sunday, April 27.
Initial reports had assumed Jade’s death was a tragic accident.
But SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been ‘a deliberate act’.
There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing or negligence on behalf of the skydiving centre in relation to Ms Damarell’s death.
An inquest into the circumstances of her death was today opened and adjourned at Crook Coroners Court, Co. Durham.
During a short two-minute hearing, area coroner Jeremy Chipperfield heard how there was ‘no reason to suspect equipment failure’.
Coroner’s officer Alexis Blighe said the provisional cause of Ms Damarell’s death was listed as ‘blunt trauma’.
Ms Blighe said: ‘This 32-year-old female was born on October 6, 1992, at Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Jade Damarell (pictured), 32, a highly-experienced parachutist with more than 400 jumps to her name, died instantly during a skydive in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham
Initial reports had assumed Jade’s death was a tragic accident. But SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been ‘a deliberate act’. Pictured: Jade skydiving on a previous occasion
An Inquest today heard Jane’s equipment had not suffered a malfunction during the tragedy. She is pictured, left, with her mother Liz (right) and father Andrew (centre)
‘Her last employment status and occupation was a marketing manager.
‘She died on April 27, 2025, on farmland near Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery, Co Durham.
‘I understand the circumstances to be that Ms Damarell was involved in a parachute incident on April 27, 2025.
‘On May 2, 2025, Dr James Henry conducted a post-mortem examination at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary mortuary and gave cause of death as follows: 1a) blunt trauma.’
The inquest was told that Ms Damarell’s body was identified by Bryn Chaffe, the chief instructor at Ms Damarell’s skydiving club.
Mr Chipperfield adjourned the inquest to August 21.
Ms Damarell, who worked as a marketing manager for Silver Spoon after graduating from Leeds university, had been living in lodgings near to the airfield and had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year.
Friends said her parachute did not open as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph.
Friends said Jade failed to open her parachute as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph. Pictured: Jade skydiving on a previous occasion
In a statement, Ms Damarell’s mother Liz and father Andrew paid tribute to their ‘beloved daughter’.
They said: ‘It is with immense sadness that we share the loss of our beloved daughter, Jade.
‘A brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary person. A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion, and love, and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness.’
The tribute continued: ‘Professionally, Jade was exceptionally talented and admired for her creativity and dedication in marketing.
‘Personally, Jade had recently begun training for her pilot’s licence and as a keen skydiver, Jade found freedom and purpose.
‘Skydiving and its fantastic community meant so much to Jade, and we’re incredibly comforted by how admired, respected, and deeply loved she was.
‘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 extent 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.
Police and emergency services were called to Wreford’s Farm in Shotton Colliery, where she landed, but Jade was pronounced dead at the scene. Pictured: Jade and her mother Liz
‘Lastly, if you are struggling, please reach out. Talk to someone – a friend, loved one, or professional. You are never alone.’
Police and emergency services were called to Wreford’s Farm in Shotton Colliery, where she landed, but Jade was pronounced dead at the scene.
One person – a fellow skydiver – was believed to have witnessed the horror.
Friend Danni Willis, who worked at SkyHigh Skydiving described Ms Damarell’ as ‘a beautiful girl inside and out’.
It is understood she had rented a double room at the skydiving centre’s lodgings and had been renting a double room with her boyfriend.
She had previously been married but was said to have divorced.
SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement, claiming ‘all indications’ from police were that ‘this was a deliberate act’.
A spokesman said: ‘It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April, 2025, involving a valued member of our community.
‘All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act.
‘This heartbreaking news has deeply affected all who knew her, and our thoughts are with her family and friends as they face this unimaginable loss.
SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement, claiming ‘all indications’ from police were that ‘this was a deliberate act’. Pictured: Jade and her mother
‘At this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy and compassion for those grieving.’
The centre added: ‘If you are struggling or in emotional distress, please know that you are not alone. Support is available. We urge anyone in crisis to speak to someone or reach out to a mental health professional. Even in the darkest moments, there is help and hope.’
A Durham Constabulary spokesperson confirmed: ‘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 (April 27).
‘Sadly, a woman in her thirties was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.’
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added: ‘We were called to an incident at Shotton Colliery in County Durham on Sunday 27 April at 10:17.
‘We dispatched one ambulance crew and one specialist paramedic to the incident.’
Wreford Farm released a statement via Facebook in the wake of the tragedy, which read: ‘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.’
- For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
