The heartbroken parents of a skydiver who died in a tragic parachute jump have spoken for the first time to pay tribute to her as a ‘brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary’ woman.
Jade Damarell, 32, a highly-experienced parachutist with more than 400 jumps to her name, died instantly during a skydive in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham, on Sunday.
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’.
In a statement, Jade’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.’
Jade, who worked as a marketing manager for Silver Spoon after graduating from Leeds university, had been living in lodgings near to the airfield since December and had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year.
The heartbroken parents of a skydiver who died in a tragic parachute jump have spoken for the first time to pay tribute to her as a ‘brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary’ woman. In a statement, Jade’s mother Liz (right) and father Andrew (centre) paid tribute to their ‘beloved daughter’ (left)
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, on Sunday
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
Friends said she failed to open her parachute as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph.
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 Jade 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 and said that they had been given ‘all indications’ from police 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 taken to end her own life.
Friends said Jade failed to open her parachute as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph. Pictured: Jade skydiving on a previous occasion
The tribute said: ‘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’. Pictured: Jade and her mother
‘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.
‘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, 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.’
