An experienced skydiver from Wales plunged to her death during a solo jump after apparently disabling her parachute system in the wake of a breakup, investigators confirmed this week.

Jade Damarell, 32, died on April 27 after intentionally disabling her parachute safety mechanisms and jumping from 15,500 feet without deploying her chute, just one day after ending a relationship with her skydiving partner, Ben Goodfellow, 26, as the New York Post reports.

Damarell, originally from Caerphilly, Wales, had extensive skydiving experience, logging over 500 successful jumps in her career. Her expertise in the sport, coupled with the intentional actions she took during her final jump, led authorities to rule her death a suicide after an inquest held by Coroner Leslie Hamilton.

The fatal incident occurred at a skydiving facility in Shotton Colliery, County Durham. It was during her final jump on April 27 that Damarell failed to deploy her main parachute and had deliberately disabled her automatic activation device, a system designed to deploy the reserve parachute in emergencies.

Breakup preceded death

According to a friend of the couple, Damarell’s relationship with Goodfellow ended the night before the incident. The pair, known among their peers as constantly together, had been dating for roughly eight months. A friend told the Daily Mail that Goodfellow went to work the following day, unaware of the events that would unfold.

Damarell completed six skydives the day before her death, raising no concern among those around her at the time. However, her final jump stood out. Unlike her usual routine, she did not strap on her camera, a device she typically used to review or share her skydives.

Authorities later found detailed instructions on her phone’s lock screen, enabling access to personal messages intended for her loved ones. These notes offered apologies, messages of appreciation, and outlined financial information, further supporting the coroner’s conclusion of suicide.

Coroner confirms intentional actions

During the investigation, coroner Leslie Hamilton described Damarell as “very experienced,” affirming that the circumstances of her final skydive indicated clear intent to take her own life. Specific mention was made of her decision to disable both primary and emergency parachute systems.

Her family accepted the findings of the investigation and expressed their gratitude to the skydiving community, which offered support in the days and weeks following their loss. In a public statement, they described Damarell as “brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary.”

They further voiced a hope to promote a culture in which mental health challenges are treated with compassion, and conversations around emotional well-being are normalized.

Community mourns, advocates for greater awareness

The loss of Damarell has rippled through the skydiving community and beyond. Statements from friends and fellow enthusiasts have consistently depicted her as a skilled, admired, and deeply beloved individual committed to the sport and her relationships.

Though the exact emotional toll of her recent breakup is difficult to quantify, the timing and sequence of events have prompted broader discussions about mental health, particularly in high-adrenaline communities such as extreme sports. Her trusted status in the skydiving world underscores the hidden struggles that individuals may face, even as they appear outwardly capable and high-functioning.

The tragedy also surfaced unsettling truths about the extent to which someone deeply familiar with safety procedures could override them -- intentionally and silently.

Lessons to learn

1. Closely monitor drastic emotional changes after life events. Major stressors such as a breakup can heighten risk, and friends, family, and colleagues must remain attentive to warning signs. While Damarell showed no outward signs in the hours leading to her death, subtle shifts may offer opportunities for lifesaving intervention.

2. Even trained professionals can be at risk of self-harm. Damarell’s deep knowledge of parachute systems enabled her to bypass lifesaving tools, indicating that experience or professionalism should never be mistaken for emotional invulnerability. Safety systems can only do so much when inner distress is overwhelming.

3. Encourage openness around mental health within all communities. Whether in sports, workplaces, or personal circles, fostering safe places for candid discussion can make a difference. But even with the best prevention efforts, it’s vital to understand that suicide is complex; we must never blame the victim, but continually strive to build awareness and support.

Why this story matters

This incident highlights the crucial intersection between mental health and extreme sports, reminding communities that no profession or lifestyle is immune to emotional crises.

In a field built on trust and coordination, acknowledging psychological stressors becomes part of collective responsibility.

Greater awareness and open dialogue may be one of the most significant legacies Damarell leaves behind.