Skydiver Jade Damarell: Tragic Conclusion of an Adventurous Spirit
Introduction
Jade Damarell, a 32-year-old marketing manager from Caerphilly, Wales, was deeply passionate about skydiving, having made over 400 jumps throughout her life. Tragically, her journey was cut short during a skydive on April 27, 2025, in County Durham. An inquest revealed that Jade made no attempt to activate her parachute or the Automatic Activation Device (AAD) during her final jump, leading to a fatal descent from 15,500 feet.
The Event Leading to Her Death
On the morning of the incident, Jade had breakfast at the skydiving center before her planned jump. The inquest disclosed significant personal distress, notably that she had split up with her boyfriend, Ben Goodfellow, the night before. They had been in a relationship for about eight months and shared a mutual love for skydiving.
In a statement to the coroner, Goodfellow recounted the relationship and expressed his shock over her sudden passing. He mentioned that this split may have impacted Jade’s mental state, although it is important to note that emotional struggles can be complex and multifaceted.
The Inquest Findings
During the inquest, presided over by Dr. Leslie Hamilton, it was confirmed that Jade reached speeds of approximately 120 mph before tragically hitting the ground. A post-mortem scan indicated that she died from severe blunt trauma. The summation was that Jade’s death was a suicide, further compounded by her leaving notes expressing gratitude and apologies to her family, along with details about her financial accounts.
Family members expressed their sorrow and acknowledged Jade’s struggles, revealing that they were comforted by the outpouring of love and respect from the skydiving community. Her mother, Liz Samuels, emphasized the importance of open discussions surrounding mental health and emotional distress, stressing that stigma should no longer inhibit conversations about suicide and mental wellness.
Legacy and Family Response
In light of this heartbreaking incident, Jade’s family has honored her memory by setting up a GoFundMe page to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, reflecting Jade’s vibrant spirit and her love for helping others achieve their dreams. This initiative aims not only to celebrate Jade’s life but also to provide opportunities for others, channeling her enthusiasm for adventure into meaningful contributions.
Jade’s family also expressed their gratitude to the skydiving community, particularly Sky-High Skydiving, for their compassionate handling of the situation and for assisting them in celebrating Jade’s life. They emphasized Jade’s passion for skydive and how the sport had brought joy to her life and to those around her.
The statement from her family concluded with the desire for transparency about mental health issues, encouraging others who are struggling to reach out for help.
Mental Health Awareness and Resources
Jade’s untimely death serves not only as a poignant reminder of the struggles that can lurk behind adventurous facades but also emphasizes the urgent need for mental health discussions. Societal stigma can often inhibit individuals from seeking help, making it crucial to cultivate environments where emotional well-being is a priority.
Those facing mental health challenges or contemplating self-harm can find support through various avenues:
- Samaritans: A non-profit organization providing confidential, 24/7 support at 116 123.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Specifically aimed at men, offering support through their helpline at 0800 58 58 58.
- Papyrus: Focused on young individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, reachable at 0800 068 41 41.
- Mental Health Services: Local NHS services and practitioners can offer tailored support and counseling.
Conclusion
The heartbreaking tale of Jade Damarell emphasizes the need to look beyond appearances and actively engage in conversations on mental health. While she brought joy to many lives through her passion for skydiving, understanding the depth of our loved ones’ struggles can alter our approach to relationships and support systems.
The circumstances surrounding her death urge us to advocate for mental wellness and challenge the stigma associated with seeking help. Let Jade’s legacy inspire a culture of open dialogue and compassion, ensuring that those in distress are seen, heard, and supported without judgment.
Ultimately, it is in our acknowledgment of struggles and our willingness to provide kindness and support that we can honor Jade’s life and the lives of others who face similar battles.
