Leeds graduate who died after jumping 10,000ft from plane suffered ‘no equipment failure’

A Leeds graduate who died after jumping 10,000ft from plane suffered “no equipment failure”, an inquest has heard.

On Sunday 27th April, the 32-year-old former Leeds Beckett student suffered fatal injury as a result of a “parachute incident”.

Jade Damarell was a seasoned skydiver, having completed over 400 jumps, according to the Independent.

More than 80 of these jumps were performed in 2025, with 11 jumps in the two days before her death.

Jade was pronounced dead at the scene as emergency services arrived at the farmland near Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery in County Durham.

Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery in County Durham via Google Maps

On Friday 2nd May, a post-mortem examination was conducted at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary by Dr James Henry. “Blunt trauma” was found to be the cause of death.

Durham Constabulary has said it would not be treating Jade’s death as suspicious.

Nearly a month after her passing, on May 22nd, an inquest opening hearing took place for further insight into the incident. Coroner’s officer Alexis Blighe said there was “no reason at all” to suspect equipment failure as the cause of the incident. The inquest has now been adjourned by Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield to Thursday 21st August.

Previously, it was assumed that Jade’s death was a result of a tragic accident. SkyHigh Skydiving has since said in a public statement, considering “all indications” from the police and British Skydiving, it suspects her death to have been “a deliberate act”.

Jade via Facebook

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An outpouring of condolences for those who knew Jade has flooded social media. SkyHigh Skydiving also shared: “Our thoughts are with her family and friends as they face this unimaginable loss.”

Jade’s parents also took to social media to share a tribute to their beloved daughter: “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.”

Resources are available to anyone struggling with their mental health. Visit samaritans.org or call 116 123 for confidential help.

Featured image via Facebook