Jade Damarell, a 32-year-old experienced skydiver, died during a skydive in County Durham, UK, on April 27, 2025. A coroner’s inquest in August concluded that her death was suicide, just one day after her relationship ended with her former partner.
Damarell built a reputation in the skydiving community for her skill and passion. She completed hundreds of safe jumps before the tragedy. Friends and family remembered her as adventurous and full of life, making the news of her final decision all the more shocking.
Who Was Jade Damarell
Originally born in Hong Kong, and grew up in Caerphilly, Wales, Damarell completed her BA in Marketing in 2017. She went on to work as a marketing manager for Associated British Foods.
Her adventurous and creative side led her into the world of skydiving. By her late 20s, Damarell had completed hundreds of jumps, earning certificates that allowed her to perform advanced free-flying as a professional skydiver.
She eventually began living at a skydiving lodge in Shotton, County Durham, where she began showing her commitment to the community, performing multiple jumps per day. She obtained many honors and awards in skydiving, and her passion became an inspiration to many. Even her mother Liz was inspired by her love for the sky, and she completed her first tandem jump with her daughter Jade by her side.
The Final Jump
On April 27, Jade Damarell performed her last and final jump. It was later confirmed after investigation that Damarell had deliberately failed to deploy her parachute. She had also disabled her automatic safety device before jumping. This device would have triggered her parachute to open automatically.
Damarell’s body was found near a field in Shotton Colliery, County Durham. Her phone was found near her body, with instructions on how to unlock the device. She had left a written apology on her phone intended for family, including details on her finances.
The Coroner’s Findings and Damerell’s Emotional State
Damarell’s former partner, skydiver Ben Goodfellow, gave a statement to the coroner saying they had ended their relationship the night before. Many believe this is what led Damarell to her actions. The co-owner of Company Sky-High Skydiving noted he saw Damarell the next morning before her jump. She was eating some toast and said nothing about her seemed out of the ordinary.
It was later confirmed by the post-mortem examination that Damarell had died from ‘blunt trauma’. Test results came back negative for drugs and alcohol. It was apparent that she had intended to take her own life.
The Skydivers Family and The Community’s Response
Damarell’s family described her as “brilliant, beautiful, brave, and truly extraordinary.” They said they want to speak openly and without shame about her death, hoping to build ‘a culture where people meet mental ill-health with kindness and support.’ They emphasized that those ‘in deep distress, and the loved ones around them, should feel seen, believed, and able to seek help without fear of judgment.’
They continued to describe her as “a bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion and love and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness.”
Damarell’s family has since reached out to thank the skydiving community for their support during this difficult time.
A spokesperson from Sky-High Skydiving said, “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.”
Calls For Mental Health Awareness
With time, mental health is becoming more openly spoken about within high-risk sports, such as skydiving. Many professionals are bringing awareness to their own personal battles with mental health, helping to dismiss the stigma behind it. Professional institutions and organizations are seeing the importance of creating a support system for those in need during a personal crisis.
If you or someone you know is struggling or dealing with a mental health crisis, there are resources available. In America, you can log onto Mental Health America. You can also call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org. In the UK, you can log onto Samaritans or text ‘shout’ to 85258 for 24/7 support.
Final Thoughts
Jade Damarell’s story highlights the hidden battles many face, even when they appear strong and accomplished. Her death serves as a reminder that even those who pursue bold and fearless paths may still carry heavy emotional burdens.
Her loved ones hope her death sparks more open conversations about mental health and the importance of having support systems in place for people in need. They urge others to look out for friends, colleagues, and loved ones who may be struggling silently, and to offer compassion without judgment.
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