Skydiving death believed to be a 'deliberate act'

THE skydiving community has been left in shock following the tragic death of adventurer Jade Damarell, who lost her life in a parachute jump in the North East last weekend.

- By JADE MCELWEE and ANDERS ANGLESEY

Despite her experience with more than 400 jumps, the 32-year-old marketing manager's latest adventure ended in tragedy when she fell to her death from 10,000ft above Shotton Colliery in County Durham.

The incident, which occurred at Wreford Farm, was described as “absolutely terrifying”.

Emergency services responded quickly, but sadly nothing could be done to save Jade, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

She leaves behind her husband James, whom she married in 2019, and her mother Liz Samuel.

While initial thoughts pointed towards an equipment failure, SkyHigh Skydiving, the company overseeing the dive, has made a statement suggesting otherwise.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April 2025 involving a valued member of our community,” said a spokesperson for SkyHigh Skydiving, as reported by MailOnline and echoed by the Mirror.

“All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act taken to end her own life”, reported our sister title The Chronicle.