A 32-year-old woman who died in a skydiving accident in County Durham has been identified as Jade Damarell.

Damarell, an experienced skydiver with over 400 jumps to her name, tragically fell to her death on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Wrefords’ Farm in Shotton, County Durham.

Sky-High Skydiving, the company she was associated with, expressed their sorrow over the incident, suggesting that it appeared to be “a deliberate act taken to end her own life.” A coroner has yet to make a ruling on the exact circumstances of her death.

In a statement, Sky-High Skydiving said: “It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident involving a valued member of our community. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this unimaginable time. We urge anyone struggling with mental health challenges to seek support from a professional.”

Wrefords’ Farm, where the incident occurred, added: “Tragically, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, a woman lost her life following a parachute accident. Please join us in offering a prayer for her and her family, asking the Lord to accept her into His kingdom and to give strength to those grieving. We request privacy for this deeply upsetting matter, both for ourselves and the farm. God bless.”

A friend of Damarell described the shock within the local community, saying, “Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened. She was an integral part of the skydiving community. She was passionate about the sport and had completed 11 jumps in just the two days before her death. This year alone, she had done around 80 jumps.”

Durham Constabulary also confirmed the incident, saying: “A woman sadly died following a skydiving incident near Peterlee. Police officers and ambulance services were called to the scene at Shotton Colliery around 10:30 AM on Sunday. Sadly, the woman in her 30s was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”