The world of skydiving was shaken by the news that Jade Damarell, a 32-year-old veteran of the sport, died during a 15,000-foot jump in Shotton Colliery, County Durham. What was first thought to be a tragic accident has now been confirmed as a deliberate act. She chose not to deploy either parachute.

A Passion for Skydiving, Cut Short

Damarell was no novice. With over 500 successful jumps and six completed just the day before her death, she was described by friends and family as a bright, adventurous, free spirit who lived for the sport.

Jade Damarell. Source: Facebook/Jade Damarell
On April 27, she boarded a plane at Sky-High Skydiving in Shotton Colliery, but unlike every other time before, she did not deploy either her main or reserve parachute. Investigators later revealed her equipment was in perfect working order. She also chose not to wear her usual GoPro camera and did not switch on her automatic activation device (AAD), which could have opened her reserve chute.

Her freefall lasted around 60 seconds before she hit the ground. Pathologist Dr James Henry confirmed her injuries were so severe she would have died immediately.

A Personal Struggle Behind the Smile

The inquest revealed that in the early hours of that morning, Damarell had written notes on her phone addressed to her family, apologizing and thanking them for their support. On her lock screen, she left instructions to “check the notes folder.”

Ben Goodfellow, Jade’s former boyfriend. Source: Facebook/Ben Goodfellow
She had recently split from fellow skydiver Ben Goodfellow, 26, with whom she had been in a relationship for around eight months. Goodfellow confirmed their breakup the night before her death, saying only that they “shared a love of skydiving.”

Her choice not to deploy either parachute, despite being one of the most experienced jumpers at the center, left little doubt about her intent.

Heartbreak in the Courtroom

At the inquest, coroner Dr. Leslie Hamilton concluded Jade had taken her own life, acknowledging the unbearable pain for her family:

“On that morning she chose not to activate her safety device, chose not to wear her camera and her parachutes — both main and reserve, which were in full working order — she made no attempt to deploy these during the descent. Did she take her own life? Yes she did.”
Jade Damarell. Source: Instagram/Jade Damarell
Turning to her parents, who followed proceedings via video link, he added: “There is nothing I can say… I am so sorry for your loss and can’t begin to think as a parent what it must be like to have lost your daughter in these circumstances.”

Remembered as Extraordinary

In a statement, her family described Jade as “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.” They added: “Some stars are so bright, they burn through their time too quickly, but their light never truly fades.”

They also emphasized the importance of open conversations about mental health, hoping Jade’s story would contribute to a culture of compassion and support for those in deep distress.

Despite showing no outward signs of distress that morning, Jade’s sudden and deliberate death stands as a painful reminder that even the strongest spirits can hide unseen struggles. She is remembered not for how she died, but for the joy, kindness, and energy she brought to every moment of her life.