Tragedy as Skydiver Jade Damarell Dies by Suicide After 15,500ft Jump in the UK

A 32-year-old experienced skydiver, Jade Damarell, tragically took her own life by jumping from a plane at 15,500 feet without deploying her parachute, just hours after ending a relationship.

An inquest into her death confirmed it was suicide. The incident occurred at Wrefords’ Farm in Peterlee, and investigators found no mechanical failure or negligence from the skydiving center, Sky-High Skydiving.

Jade had over 500 jumps to her name and had successfully completed six jumps the previous day. But on the morning of April 27, she made her final jump, disabling both her parachute and backup safety device, ensuring they wouldn’t deploy.

The inquest revealed that Jade had broken up with her boyfriend of eight months, Ben Goodfellow, the night before. Notes addressed to her family were found around 2:30 a.m.

Sky-High co-owner Bryn Chaffe, who saw Jade before the jump, said she appeared quiet but not out of character. British Skydiving confirmed her equipment was fully functional, and Durham Police said her death was not suspicious.

Following the hearing, Jade’s grieving family issued a moving tribute:

“Our beloved daughter Jade was brilliant, beautiful, brave, and truly extraordinary. A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness.”

They thanked the skydiving community for their support and praised the center for helping them honor Jade’s life with a farewell jump by her mother, Liz.

“By speaking openly and without shame, we hope to contribute to a culture where mental ill-health is met with kindness and support.”