Jade Damarell died after falling 10,000ft from a plane without her parachute opening
Tragic Jade Damarell, 32
Police believe a skydiver who died after a 10,000ft fall from an aircraft committed the act deliberately, following the discovery of a note she reportedly left before her jump. The death of Jade Damarell has deeply affected her loved ones and the close-knit skydiving community to which she belonged.
Jade, 32, had successfully completed over 400 jumps but died last Sunday when she hit the ground without deploying her parachute. Initially thought to be a horrific accident, her skydiving club later disclosed that it was a “deliberate act”, citing information from the police who found a note indicating her intentions.
Nigel Wreford, a 56-year-old farm worker near the Peterlee, County Durham site of the incident, said: “I’ve been told by quite a few people that she knew what she was doing – she had apparently left a suicide note.”
He also described the distressing encounter with a fellow parachutist who witnessed Jade’s fatal descent, who arrived at his doorstep in shock, reports the Mirror.
Mr Wreford continued: “You can’t imagine how traumatic it must have been. She said he was in a hell of a state. He was very incoherent. It’s horrible. I can’t stop thinking about the girl and her family.”
A friend of Jade’s said: “This wasn’t an accident. We believe she intended to take her life, sadly. She chose not to open her parachute and she landed on her back.”
SkyHigh Skydiving has confirmed the sad death of Jade, saying police and British Skydiving had given “all indications” her death was believed to have been intentional.
A spokesperson expressed their sorrow, stating: “It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April 2025 involving a valued member of our community. All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act taken to end her own life.”
Continuing, they shared the emotional impact of the event: “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 also reached out to anyone in distress: “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.”
Despite the swift action of emergency services at Wrefords Farm in County Durham, Jade could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene.
An inquest is expected following the transfer of documents to the coroner.
