Experienced UK Skydiver’s Tragic Suicide After Breakup
A heartbreaking incident occurred earlier this year when an experienced UK skydiver, Jade Damarell, lost her life during a fatal jump just one day after ending a relationship with her partner. The 32-year-old skydiver fell 15,500 feet into a field in County Durham on April 27, succumbing to blunt trauma injuries. Coroner Leslie Hamilton confirmed that Damarell deliberately took the fatal jump, which has been officially ruled a suicide.
Damarell, who had more than 500 successful jumps in her career, had recently ended her relationship with her partner, Ben Goodfellow. The couple, known for their inseparable bond, had dated for around eight months before calling it quits the night before Damarell’s tragic death. It remains unclear who initiated the breakup.
On the day of her death, Damarell had completed six skydiving jumps, with the final one resulting in her intentional failure to deploy her main parachute. Despite her vast experience in skydiving, she chose not to activate the device that would automatically deploy the parachute in case of emergency. This deliberate act led to her untimely death.
In the aftermath of her passing, notes addressed to her family were found on her phone, expressing gratitude and apologies. Damarell’s family accepted the coroner’s ruling and expressed their appreciation for the outpouring of support from the skydiving community. They described Damarell as brilliant, beautiful, brave, and extraordinary, emphasizing the need for kindness and support towards those struggling with mental health issues.
The tragic loss of Jade Damarell serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support. Her family’s desire to contribute to a culture of compassion and understanding in the face of mental illness is a poignant call to action for us all. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 800-273-TALK (8255), or you can text Crisis Text Line at 741741. Let us honor Damarell’s memory by fostering a community of care and empathy for those in need.