‘no reason to suspect equipment failure’ in skydiver’s death, inquest told

MARKETING MANAGER JADE DAMARELL, WHO LIVED IN CAERPHILLY, DIED AFTER CRASHING ONTO FARMLAND IN THE TRAGIC INCIDENT IN APRIL 11:48, 22 May 2025 An inquest hearing for a 32-year-old woman who

died while skydiving was told "there was no reason to suspect equipment failure." Marketing manager Jade Damarell died after crashing onto farmland near Fleming Field in Shotton

Colliery, County Durham on April 27. At a brief inquest opening hearing in Crook, County Durham coroner's officer Alexis Blighe told the court that Ms Damarell was born in Kowloon, Hong

Kong and lived in Caerphilly in Wales. _Don’t miss a court report by signing up__ __to our crime newsletter here_. Ms Blighe said: "I understand the circumstances to be that Ms

Damarell was involved in a parachute incident on April 27." A post-mortem examination at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle carried out by Dr James Henry found that she died as a

result of "blunt trauma." Ms Blighe said the body was identified by Bryn Chaffe who was chief instructor at the skydiving firm she used. Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield asked Ms

Blighe: "There's no reason to suspect equipment failure?" Ms Blighe replied: "No reason at all." It has been previously reported that Ms Damarell was a highly

experienced skydiver. WHY WE COVER INQUESTS – AND WHY IT'S SO IMPORTANT THAT WE DO As painful as these proceedings are for those who have lost a loved one the lessons that can be

learned from inquests can go a long way to saving others’ lives. The press has a legal right to attend inquests and has a responsibility to report on them as part of their duty to uphold the

principle of open justice. It’s a journalist’s duty to make sure the public understands the reasons why someone has died and to make sure their deaths are not kept secret. An inquest report

can also clear up any rumours or suspicion surrounding a person’s death. But, most importantly of all, an inquest report can draw attention to circumstances which may stop further deaths

from happening. Should journalists shy away from attending inquests then an entire arm of the judicial system is not held to account. Inquests can often prompt a wider discussion on serious

issues, the most recent of these being mental health and suicide. Editors actively ask and encourage reporters to speak to the family and friends of a person who is the subject of an

inquest. Their contributions help us create a clearer picture of the person who died and also provides the opportunity to pay tribute to their loved one. Often families do not wish to speak

to the press and of course that decision has to be respected. However, as has been seen by many powerful media campaigns, the input of a person’s family and friends can make all the

difference in helping to save others. Without the attendance of the press at inquests questions will remain unanswered and lives will be lost. In a statement after her death Ms

Damarell's parents said she was a "brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary person. “A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion, and

love, and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness. “Professionally Jade was exceptionally talented and admired for her creativity and dedication in marketing. “Personally Jade

had recently begun training for her pilot’s licence and as a keen skydiver Jade found freedom and purpose. "Skydiving and its fantastic community meant so much to Jade and we’re

incredibly comforted by how admired, respected, and deeply loved she was. “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. Article continues below “Some stars are so bright they burn through their time too quickly – but their light never truly fades. “We want to extend our heartfelt

thanks to everyone in the emergency services and the local first responders as well as the skydiving community. Your care and compassion mean more to us than we can express." Following

her death, Sky-High Skydiving said: "It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place involving a valued member of our community." Mr Chipperfield adjourned

the full inquest until August 21.