**Welsh Family Pays Tribute to “Extraordinary” Daughter After Tragic Skydiving Incident**
The family of Jade Damarell, a talented marketing manager from Wales, has paid an emotional tribute following her death in a skydiving incident in County Durham. The 32-year-old, described by loved ones as “brilliant, beautiful, and brave”, sadly lost her life in Peterlee last Sunday. What was first thought to be a tragic accident has since been described by the skydiving firm as a “deliberate act”, casting a sombre mood over the tight-knit skydiving community and Jade’s home town of Caerphilly.
Jade’s parents, Liz and Andrew Samuel, expressed their heartbreak in a public statement, saying their daughter lived life with “immense energy, passion, and love,” and had touched countless lives with her kindness. “It is with immense sadness that we share the loss of our beloved daughter Jade,” their message began. The Samuels painted a vivid picture of a woman whose adventurous spirit and warmth made a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Professionally, Jade was recognised for her creativity and drive. She worked at the marketing firm Silver Spoon, where colleagues remember her fondly. A spokesperson for the company shared their condolences, noting: “Jade worked with us until very recently. She was a much-loved and respected member of the team and we’re devastated to hear this news. All our thoughts are with her family and friends.” Jade’s commitment and talent within her trade were clear to those who worked alongside her.
Beyond her success in the marketing world, Jade was known for her love of adventure. She had recently started training for a pilot’s licence and had become an active member of the local skydiving community, pursuing her passion for flight. Her parents reflected on this aspect of her life, commenting: “Skydiving and its fantastic community meant so much to Jade and we’re incredibly comforted by how admired, respected, and deeply loved she was.”
In the wake of tragedy, Jade’s family has used their statement as a rallying call for greater mental health awareness. “If you are struggling, please reach out. Talk to someone – a friend, loved one, or professional. You are never alone,” they urged, highlighting the importance of seeking help and support during difficult times. They thanked emergency services, local first responders, and the skydiving community for their compassion and care during an unimaginably painful period.
The circumstances surrounding Jade’s passing have been clarified by the organisation Sky-High Skydiving and corroborated by both the police and the British Skydiving association, who suggested the incident was the result of a deliberate act. This has opened wider reflection on mental health in high-risk sports communities, where support networks can play a crucial role.
Jade’s parents concluded with a poignant message: “We miss her beyond words, but Jade’s love, brilliance, courage, and light will live on in our family and among all those who knew and loved her. Some stars are so bright they burn through their time too quickly – but their light never truly fades.” They also appealed for privacy as the family comes to terms with their devastating loss.
Support has poured in for the bereaved family, with messages from friends, colleagues, and the broader skydiving community, all attesting to the positive influence Jade had on those around her.
For those in need of help, a range of resources can provide support, including Mind Cymru (0300 123 3393), Samaritans (116 123), and the C.A.L.L. helpline (0800 132 737). The NHS 111 service also offers advice around the clock.
As the close-knit communities in both Caerphilly and County Durham rally to support each other, Jade’s story highlights the enduring importance of empathy, compassion, and open conversations surrounding mental health.
The thoughts of all who have followed this tragic story remain with Jade’s loved ones, and her legacy endures in the many lives she touched.