Experienced skydiver Jade Damarell, 32, plunged to her death and died instantly after her boyfriend reportedly broke up with her the night before, leaving her devastated
New details have emerged about Jade Damarell‘s final days before she tragically plummeted to her death.
The death of thrill-seeking Ms Damarell, 32, a highly experienced skydiver, has been described as an «unimaginable loss» amid an investigation. The woman, who had completed more than 400 previous jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground at Wrefords’ Farm in Shotton, County Durham. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is understood that Ms. Damarell, from Caerphilly, South Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day before her fatal skydive.
After splitting from her husband, she had been in a relationship with Ben Goodfellow, 26, a fellow skydiving enthusiast, for approximately six to eight months. The couple had been living together in a double room at a property near the airfield, rented specifically for parachutists, for several months, according to MailOnline.
READ MORE: Skydiver, 32, who jumped 10,000ft to death ‘split from boyfriend hours before’
A friend described their bond as extremely close. The source said: “They were inseparable. They did everything together and didn’t really interact much with others. They often went skydiving as a pair. They had been living together since Christmas and had been dating for a few months before that.”
According to the friend, the night before Ms. Damarell’s death, Mr. Goodfellow ended the relationship. He reportedly went to work the following day, during which time the tragedy occurred.
Mr. Goodfellow works as a technician at Nissan and is also the lead singer and guitarist for the Sunderland-based indie band Post Rome, whose music has featured on BBC Introducing. Following the incident, the band cancelled a scheduled performance, citing “unforeseen circumstances.”
A friend claimed that a note referencing the breakup was found by police. They added: “Jade had ended things with Ben on previous occasions, but Saturday was the first time he ended it with her. Ben is a quiet person – he’s completely devastated by what’s happened.”
Initial reports had assumed Ms Damarell’s death was a tragic accident. But SkyHigh Skydiving issued a statement saying her death was suspected to have been ‘a deliberate act’.
It is understood police quickly marked the tragedy as non-suspicious after discovering a note disclosing her intentions. Ms Damarell had been living in lodgings in Shotton, Co Durham, since the end of last year, renting a double bed in a house used by skydivers staying over in the village.
At the time of the tragedy it was said that Ms Damarell, a keen skydiver who had jumped around 80 times this year, deliberately failed to open her parachute as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph.
A friend of Ms Damarell said: «This wasn’t a skydiving accident – we believe she intended to take her life, sadly. She skydived with someone else, broke off and turned onto her back and impacted. She chose not to open her parachute and she landed on her back.»
Police and emergency services were called to nearby Wreford’s Farm, where she landed, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. One person is believed to have witnessed the horror.
An inquest heard that Ms Damarell did not suffer any failure in her equipment. Asked by Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield if there was any reason to suspect equipment failure, Coroner’s officer Ms Alexis Blighe replied “No reason at all sir.”
On the face of it, Jade had everything to live for. Her mum’s Facebook page proudly recorded the highlight’s of her daughter’s life. Other images showed her enjoying family hikes with the dog, and in one post, mum Liz revealed she’d completed her first skydive with her daughter.
In an August 26, 2024 Facebook post, she said: «This weekend I did something I never thought I could, or would, do… a sky-dive! Such a bucket list moment. Firstly watching my beautiful daughter Jade free-fly solo right before me, like a ninja. Then, amazed at the reassurance and confidence Jade and my fabulous tandem instructor Lewis (aka Biscuit) and cameraman Blake gave me, off we flew.
«Just wow… over a minute in freefall from 15,500 feet, at around 120 MPH, with the air temp -15 and breath-taking wind at this altitude. Considering my fear of heights I still can’t quite believe I did it! My favourite part was actually being under canopy, I absolutely loved it but this experience makes me even more proud of Jade’s amazing free-fly skills now and it was incredible to watch her nail her landing below us and be there to greet me back on solid ground.»
An inquest will now be opened to establish the circumstances surrounding Jade’s death and answer questions surrounding her final moments. According to one friend, she jumped a staggering 11 times in the 48 hours leading up to her death.
«Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community,» the friend told MailOnline. «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.»
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email **jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
