In April 2025, the skydiving community was shaken by the tragic death of 32-year-old Jade Damarell, an experienced parachutist with over 400 successful jumps. On April 27, during a routine skydive over Peterlee, County Durham, Damarell’s parachute failed to deploy, leading to her untimely demise. Authorities confirmed that there were no equipment malfunctions, suggesting the incident was a deliberate act.

Damarell’s death occurred shortly after the end of her relationship with fellow skydiver Ben Goodfellow. The couple had been living together on the skydiving site since December. Friends described them as “inseparable,” making the sudden breakup and subsequent tragedy all the more poignant.

In the days leading up to her death, Damarell had completed multiple jumps, indicating her continued passion for the sport. However, letters found after the incident revealed her intent to take her own life, highlighting the profound impact of personal turmoil on mental health.

Damarell’s family remembered her as a “brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary person.” They emphasized her zest for life and the joy she found in skydiving, urging others facing similar struggles to seek help and support.

This incident underscores the critical importance of mental health awareness, especially within high-adrenaline communities like skydiving. It serves as a stark reminder that external appearances can mask internal battles, and the need for open conversations about mental well-being is paramount.

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