An inquest has concluded that Jade Damarell, a 32-year-old marketing manager and seasoned skydiver, took her own life by deliberately not deploying her parachute during a jump in County Durham on April 27. The tragic incident occurred just a day after her relationship ended, as revealed during the inquest at Crook civic centre.

Inquest Findings and Circumstances

Damarell, who hailed from Caerphilly, Wales, was known for her passion for skydiving, having completed more than 500 jumps. On the day before her death, she successfully executed six jumps, underscoring her expertise in the sport. However, during her final jump, she chose not to deploy her main parachute, which is typically opened at around 5,000 feet. Additionally, she had deactivated a safety device designed to automatically deploy the parachute under certain conditions.

Assistant coroner Dr. Leslie Hamilton concluded that Damarell's actions were intentional, recording a verdict of suicide. The inquest also heard that Damarell had left instructions on her phone's lock screen for accessing it posthumously, along with notes to her family expressing apologies and gratitude.

Family's Response and Mental Health Advocacy

Following the inquest, Damarell's family accepted the coroner's findings and expressed their appreciation for the support from the skydiving community. They described her as "brilliant, beautiful, brave, and truly extraordinary," and emphasized the importance of speaking openly about mental health issues. The family hopes to foster a culture where mental health challenges are met with understanding and support, encouraging those in distress to seek help without fear of judgment.

Community and Support

The skydiving community, deeply affected by the loss, has rallied around Damarell's family, offering comfort and sharing memories of her adventurous spirit. Her family has been vocal about the need for mental health awareness, urging others to reach out for support when needed.