Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
A coroner has shared further insights into the tragic skydiving accident that resulted in the death of an experienced skydiver earlier this year.
Jade Damarell, who was recognized for her expertise in skydiving with over 500 jumps to her credit, sadly passed away on April 27 after a fall from a height of 15,000 feet in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, UK.
An inquest into her death was initiated on May 22, revealing details from a post-mortem examination conducted at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, UK. It concluded that Jade’s death was due to ‘blunt trauma’.
Initially, coroner Jeremy Chipperfield stated there was no indication of equipment malfunction in the incident.
Recently, a further inquest led by coroner Leslie Hamilton officially determined that Damarell’s death was a suicide.
The coroner provided a summary of a note from Damarell’s partner, who was also a skydiver, detailing that their relationship had ended the night before the incident (via The Guardian).
On the day before her passing, Damarell had completed six skydives. The inquest revealed that she intentionally chose not to deploy her main parachute and had deactivated a device that would have automatically opened the parachute at a specific altitude and speed.
Furthermore, she typically wore a camera during her dives, yet chose not to for her final jump.
The inquest also disclosed that Damarell left instructions on her phone’s lock screen regarding access after her death. A police officer at the scene discovered these details, along with a note to her family on the device.
In her message, she expressed apologies and gratitude to her family for their support and provided financial information.
Damarell’s family, accepting the coroner’s conclusion, expressed their gratitude to the skydiving community for their support during this challenging period.
Describing her as ‘brilliant, beautiful, brave, and truly extraordinary,’ they emphasized their desire to discuss her death openly to support a culture where mental health struggles are approached with kindness and assistance, enabling those in distress and their loved ones to seek help without fear of judgment.
Following the news of her death, a statement from Sky-High Skydiving conveyed: “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.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, support is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.