The death of a parachutist during a skydive is being investigated amid fears that she may have deliberately taken her own life, it’s understood.

Jade Damarell, 32, a highly experienced skydiver who had safely accomplished more than 400 previous jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the weekend.

Ms Damarell, a marketing manager, lost her life while parachuting with Sky High Skydiving in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham, on Sunday morning.

Police and emergency services were called to nearby Wreford’s Farm, where she landed, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Initial reports had assumed Jade’s death was a tragic accident.

But last night SkyHigh Skydiving issued a statement saying that her death is suspected to have been ‘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.

The death of a parachutist during a skydive is being investigated amid fears that she may have deliberately taken her own life, it¿s understood. Jade Damarell (pictured) died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the weekend

The death of a parachutist during a skydive is being investigated amid fears that she may have deliberately taken her own life, it’s understood. Jade Damarell (pictured) died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the weekend

Ms Damarell, a marketing manager, lost her life while parachuting with Sky High Skydiving in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham, on Sunday morning. Pictured: Ms Damarell skydiving on a previous occasion

Ms Damarell, a marketing manager, lost her life while parachuting with Sky High Skydiving in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham, on Sunday morning. Pictured: Ms Damarell skydiving on a previous occasion 

Initial reports had assumed Jade¿s death was a tragic accident. But last night SkyHigh Skydiving issued a statement saying that her death is suspected to have been 'a deliberate act'. Pictured: Ms Damarell (left) with her mother

Initial reports had assumed Jade’s death was a tragic accident. But last night SkyHigh Skydiving issued a statement saying that her death is suspected to have been ‘a deliberate act’. Pictured: Ms Damarell (left) with her mother 

‘All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act taken to end her own life.

‘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.’

Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances .

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.

‘Sadly, a woman in her 30s was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.’

Police and emergency services were called to nearby Wreford's Farm, where she landed, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Pictured: Ms Damarell (right) and her mother

Police and emergency services were called to nearby Wreford’s Farm, where she landed, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Pictured: Ms Damarell (right) and her mother

A friend of Ms Damarell, from Shotton, Co Durham, said: 'Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community. 'She was mad for the sport. In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year'

A friend of Ms Damarell, from Shotton, Co Durham, said: ‘Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community. ‘She was mad for the sport. In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year’

A friend of Ms Damarell, from Shotton, Co Durham, said: ‘Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community.

‘She was mad for the sport. In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.’

One person is believed to have witnessed the horror.

A file has been passed to the coroner and an inquest into Ms Damarell’s death will be opened in due course.

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.’

It is the third skydiving fatality in the Peterlee area since 2016.

Sam Cornwell died during a jump at the South West Industrial Estate in April 2024.

And in September 2016, 49-year-old Pamela Gower, from Hebburn, died during a charity skydive at Peterlee Parachute Centre.

 For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support

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