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Coroner Rules Skydiver Jade Damarell Took Her Own Life by Disabling Safety Systems

Evidence of intent included functioning gear alongside a deliberately disabled automatic activation device.

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Jade Damarell was an experienced skydiver with more than 500 jumps to her name.

Overview

  • An inquest in County Durham concluded on Aug. 21–22 that the 32-year-old died by suicide during an April 27 jump near Shotton Colliery.
  • Investigators found she made no attempt to deploy her main or reserve parachutes and had switched off the AAD; her equipment was later confirmed to be in working order.
  • Durham Police recovered her phone with lock‑screen instructions and notes apologising to family and detailing financial information.
  • The hearing recorded that her relationship ended the night before her death; she was an experienced skydiver with more than 500 jumps and had completed six the previous day.
  • Post‑mortem and toxicology reports showed death from blunt trauma with no alcohol or drugs, and her family accepted the finding and issued tributes, launching a Make‑A‑Wish UK fundraiser in her memory.