An inquest into the tragic death of an experienced skydiver from Caerphilly, Wales, has heard there is currently no evidence to suggest equipment failure was responsible for the fatal incident. Jade Damarell, a 32-year-old marketing manager, died following a skydive on 27 April after landing heavily on farmland close to Fleming Field near Shotton Colliery in County Durham.
The opening session of the inquest, held in Crook, County Durham, provided initial details about the circumstances surrounding Ms Damarell’s death. Coroner’s officer Alexis Blighe told the hearing that Ms Damarell, originally born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, was living in Caerphilly at the time of her death. The court heard that Ms Damarell was involved in what was described as a “parachute incident” during her jump.
Post-mortem findings, as reported by Dr James Henry at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, confirmed that Ms Damarell’s death was caused by blunt trauma. The identification of her body was made by Bryn Chaffe, the chief instructor at the skydiving company she frequented. When asked during the hearing whether there was any indication of malfunction or failure of her parachuting equipment, Ms Blighe responded that there was “no reason at all” to suspect this played a part.
The lack of any suspected equipment issue adds a more complex layer to the tragedy, given Ms Damarell’s considerable experience as a skydiver. Those familiar with her noted that she was highly skilled in the sport, making her death all the more shocking to the community. The investigation is ongoing, with a further court hearing scheduled for August to allow more time for a full exploration of the circumstances.
The importance of transparent reporting on inquests is often stressed by legal experts and journalists alike. Media coverage not only clarifies the facts for the public but can also dispel rumours, address uncertainties, and possibly contribute to the prevention of similar deaths in the future. Such reports uphold the principle of open justice and ensure that significant concerns highlighted by inquests are subject to public scrutiny.
Tributes have poured in from Ms Damarell’s friends, family, and the wider skydiving community since the incident. In a heartfelt statement, her parents described Jade as “brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary,” recalling her zest for adventure and her deep passion for life. “A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion, and love, and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness,” they wrote. Beyond her professional achievements in marketing, Ms Damarell had recently begun pursuing a pilot’s licence, reflecting her lifelong drive to seek out new challenges.
The family also expressed gratitude towards both emergency services and the local skydiving community for their support during such a difficult time. “We miss her beyond words but Jade’s love, brilliance, courage, and light will live on… Some stars are so bright they burn through their time too quickly – but their light never truly fades,” they shared, underscoring the lasting impact she had on all who knew her.
Sky-High Skydiving, the organisation involved in the incident, later released a statement expressing deep sadness and acknowledging the loss of a “valued member of our community.” The company, along with Ms Damarell’s family and friends, awaits the outcome of the full inquest for further understanding of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, many hope that lessons can be drawn from the outcome of the case, reinforcing both public confidence and safety within the skydiving community. The inquest is due to resume on 21 August, where more detailed findings are expected to be made public.