- A highly-experienced parachutist died at the scene of a sky dive in County Durham, England, on Sunday, April 27, according to reports
- The woman, identified as 32-year-old Jade Damarell, had jumped over 400 times in the past, The Times stated
- Sky-High Skydiving said in a statement that initial findings suggest “this was a deliberate act…to end her own life,” per the Daily Mail
A skydiving center in England is paying tribute after a highly-experienced parachutist died during a jump over the weekend, according to reports.
On Sunday, April 27, at around 10:30 a.m. local time, “a woman in her thirties was pronounced dead at the scene” after emergency services were called to an incident in the County Durham village of Shotton Colliery, The Times reported, citing a Durham Constabulary spokesperson.
The 32-year-old woman has since been identified as Jade Damarell, who had successfully parachuted more than 400 times in the past, per the outlet.
Damarell had been jumping with Sky-High Skydiving, and the center shared a statement following the tragedy suggesting her death was “a deliberate act,” the Daily Mail reported.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place involving a valued member of our community,” the statement, which was also shared in part by the BBC, read.
“All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act taken to end her own life,” the message continued, per the Daily Mail.
“This heartbreaking news has deeply affected all who knew her, and our thoughts are with her family and friends as they face this unimaginable loss. At this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy and compassion for those grieving,” it added.
“If you are struggling or in emotional distress, please know that you are not alone. Support is available. We urge anyone in crisis to speak to someone or reach out to a mental health professional. Even in the darkest moments, there is help and hope,” the center concluded, according to the Daily Mail.
Sky-High Skydiving added in an email to PEOPLE, “We are not going to expand on the details and this will be confirmed by the coroner in due course.”
Police have confirmed that Damarell’s death isn’t being treated as suspicious, per The Times.
A friend of Damarell’s said, according to the Daily Mail, “Everyone is devastated and deeply [traumatized] by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community.”
“She was mad for the sport. In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year,” they added.
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According to The Sun, Damarell — who shared photographs from some of her skydives on Facebook, was pronounced dead in Wreford’s Farm, County Durham.
The farm posted on Facebook on Wednesday, April 30, “As a memorial to the young lady who tragically lost her life in the parachute incident, we have planted a Cherry tree,” adding photos and details of where people can leave tributes and flowers.
Durham Constabulary and British Skydiving didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
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