An experienced skydiver from Wales deliberately ended her life by disabling safety measures and refusing to deploy her parachute during a skydive in April, according to an official inquest.
According to the New York Post, Jade Damarell, 32, died on April 27, 2025, after jumping from an aircraft over County Durham just one day after her romantic relationship ended, with the incident officially deemed a suicide by Coroner Leslie Hamilton.
Damarell, who was from Caerphilly in South Wales, had logged more than 500 successful jumps in her skydiving career. On the day of her death, she exited a plane at an altitude of 15,500 feet, landing in a field in the Shotton Colliery area of County Durham. The inquest into her death confirmed she intentionally chose not to deploy her main parachute during the jump.
Coroner Hamilton stated that Damarell also disabled her automatic activation device, a standard safety feature designed to release a parachute if the jumper is descending too quickly and has not acted. This reinforced the conclusion that her final jump was a deliberate act. The tragic event took place just a day after Damarell’s relationship with her partner ended. Her former partner, Ben Goodfellow, 26, was also a skydiver and had been closely tied to her, described by a friend as someone she was “inseparable” from. According to testimony presented during the inquest, the relationship had been called off the night before she died.
Final Messages Left on Phone Lock Screen
An anonymous friend told The Daily Mail that Goodfellow ended the relationship on the evening of April 26. He went to work the following morning, while Damarell carried out six jumps at the airfield. It was her seventh dive that day that turned fatal. The inquest also revealed that Damarell typically wore an action camera to record her jumps. However, she did not attach a camera to her gear on the day she died. This further suggested premeditation, according to officials familiar with skydiving practices.
Before boarding the aircraft for her final descent, Damarell left detailed notes on the lock screen of her mobile phone. These included messages to her family, offering thanks for their support, expressing sorrow for her decision, and providing financial details to help them manage her affairs.
Family Responds with Words of Love and Support
During the public inquest, Coroner Hamilton described Damarell as a “very experienced” individual whose intention was to die by suicide. Evidence presented during the hearing supported that conclusion, citing her actions that morning and the messages she left behind.
Damarell’s family expressed gratitude for the skydiving community's support in the painful days following her death. In a statement shared after the verdict, they spoke of their love for her and acknowledged the impact she had on others. “She was admired and deeply loved,” the family said. They expressed hope that her story would play a role in advancing a culture where mental health challenges are treated with “kindness and support.”
Community and Coroner Reflect on Loss
The description of Damarell as “brilliant, beautiful, brave, and truly extraordinary” was echoed throughout the testimony given by those who knew her. While the inquest offered no doubt about her intentions, the tone from officials and loved ones remained focused on remembrance and compassion.
Hamilton was clear in her findings, stating that the circumstances of the jump, combined with the absence of safety measures and the written messages, all point to a conscious and tragic decision. There were no indications of coercion or mechanical failure involved. Friends and colleagues in the skydiving community have spoken of their devastation, but emphasized their respect for Damarell’s skill and passion for the sport. Many have since joined calls for increased mental health resources for extreme sports participants.
Calls for Greater Mental Health Awareness
Those within the skydiving world are urging for more mental health discussions among athletes in high-risk sports. Damarell’s story has served as a painful reminder that outward confidence and experience may mask internal struggles.
While her death is being processed within the sport’s community and among loved ones, her legacy as a skilled athlete and someone deeply loved continues to resonate. The family’s statement emphasized their commitment to change, suggesting they wish to “contribute to a culture” of open dialogue around mental health. There was no indication of harm to others in the incident, and officials confirmed that all safety protocols had been followed by the flight staff and crew that day. Damarell had full access to standard procedures and equipment.
Tragic End to a Promising Life
As the community and family navigate the grief, the focus has now shifted toward healing and advocacy. Tributes continue to pour in both privately and publicly from those who flew with her or knew her personally. Damarell’s death underscores the importance of awareness, even within communities seen as tightly knit and outwardly resilient. Expressions of support and renewed conversations about emotional wellness have begun to emerge in the skydiving scene and beyond.
Her family’s public statements have encouraged people to recognize the signs of inner pain and to extend empathy to those who may be suffering silently. The clarity and intentional nature of Damarell’s final actions have left a lasting impression on those who followed her story.
