A coroner shared new details about the tragic death of skydiver Jade Damarell earlier this year.
She was only 32 and had over 500 jumps behind her. On April 27, she fell 15,000 feet into a field in Shotton Colliery, County Durham.
Coroner explains what happened
At an early hearing in May, doctors confirmed she died from blunt trauma injuries.
The coroner at the time also said there was nothing wrong with her equipment, so her fall wasn’t caused by a failure.
Inquest says it was suicide
Later in the month, coroner Leslie Hamilton gave the official ruling. He confirmed her death was a suicide.
The night before was difficult
The inquest also revealed a note from her partner, who was also a skydiver. It said the two of them had broken up the night before she died.
Jade had been jumping all day
The day before, she had already done six successful jumps. But when it came to her last one, things were different.
She turned off the safety device
The court heard that Jade didn’t open her main parachute. She had also switched off the automatic system that would usually trigger it.
Normally she would film her dives with a camera. On her last jump, she chose not to wear one.
Messages left behind
Police later found instructions on her phone lock screen explaining how to unlock it. Inside, there was a note to her family.
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She had apologized, thanked them for supporting her, and even included details about her finances.
Family speaks out after the ruling
Her family accepted the coroner’s decision and said they were grateful for the support of the skydiving community.
They described her as “brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary” and said they wanted to talk openly about her death, hoping it would help spread more compassion around mental health and encourage people in crisis to feel safe asking for help.
Community shares their grief
After news spread, Sky-High Skydiving released a statement: “It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place involving a valued member of our community.
“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.”
