The story of Jade Damarell, a talented 32-year-old skydiver from Caerphilly, South Wales, has resonated widely following her tragic death on April 27, 2025, during a skydiving jump in Shotton Colliery, County Durham. An inquest held on August 22, 2025, determined that her death was a deliberate act, occurring just hours after the end of her relationship with her boyfriend, Ben Goodfellow.

This article provides a clear, respectful, and accurate account of Jade’s life, her relationship, the circumstances surrounding her passing, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Jade Damarell’s Boyfriend: Her Relationship with Ben Goodfellow

At the time of her death, Jade Damarell was in a relationship with 26-year-old skydiver Ben Goodfellow. The two shared approximately eight months together, connected deeply through their shared passion for skydiving.

A Relationship Rooted in Adventure

  • Jade and Ben were described as inseparable by friends and fellow skydivers.
  • They spent much of their time jumping, training, and socializing within the skydiving community.
  • The couple moved in together around Christmas 2024, renting a property near the County Durham airfield where they both trained.

The Breakup Before Her Final Jump

The inquest revealed that:

  • Jade and Ben had experienced breakups initiated by Jade in the past.
  • On the night before her death, Ben ended their relationship, marking the first time he initiated a separation.
  • At 2:30 am, Jade wrote messages on her phone directed to her family, expressing love and gratitude.

These details formed a key part of the coroner’s conclusion that Jade’s final jump was intentional.

Who Is Ben Goodfellow?

Ben Goodfellow is more than a footnote in this heartbreaking story. He is a:

  • 26-year-old skydiver, well-known in the community.
  • Technician at Nissan, balancing a hands-on technical career with his adrenaline-driven hobby.
  • Musician, performing as the lead singer and guitarist for the Sunderland-based indie band Post Rome.

Following Jade’s death, Post Rome publicly cancelled a performance citing “unforeseen circumstances,” reflecting how deeply the loss affected Ben and those close to him.

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Ben has kept a low public profile since the tragedy. Accounts from the inquest and community members describe someone who was devastated by the events.

Jade Damarell: A Life Defined by Courage and Passion

While the circumstances of Jade’s death have captured attention, her life deserves equal focus.

A Skilled and Experienced Skydiver

  • Over 500 jumps to her name.
  • Known for her calm, confident presence at the airfield.
  • In training to obtain her pilot’s licence, reflecting her commitment to aviation and adventure.

A Professional and Academic Achiever

  • Marketing manager for Silver Spoon, showcasing her business and creative talents.
  • Graduate of Leeds University, where she built early connections and friendships that remained strong throughout her life.

Beloved by Family and Community

Her family described her as:

  • Brilliant
  • Brave
  • Kind
  • Generous
  • Someone who lived life “with freedom and immense heart”

Friends and skydiving colleagues echoed these sentiments, remembering her positivity and the way she lifted the spirits of those around her.

Jade’s Online Presence: A Look Into Her World

Social media posts from Jade offered glimpses into:

  • Her skydiving experiences
  • Her adventurous personality
  • Her friendships and family connections

Following her death, her mother shared heartfelt messages, calling Jade a star that “burned through her time too quickly.” These tributes helped the public understand who Jade was beyond the headlines.

The family launched a GoFundMe campaign supporting Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, aligning with Jade’s caring and generous nature.

The Breakup and Inquest Findings

The inquest established the following:

  • Jade appeared calm and composed on the morning of her final jump.
  • Her parachute and safety equipment were fully functional.
  • She did not deploy her parachute nor activate her backup device.
  • Toxicology reports showed no alcohol or drugs in her system.
  • Notes on her phone expressed love and apology to family members.

Coroner Dr. Leslie Hamilton concluded the jump was a deliberate act influenced by the emotional distress of the breakup.

This conclusion sparked discussions about mental health within the skydiving community and beyond.

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A Family’s Mission: Raising Awareness About Mental Health

Jade’s parents, Liz and Andrew Samuel, made the courageous decision to speak openly about their daughter’s struggles to reduce stigma surrounding mental health.

Their Efforts Include:

  • Sharing Jade’s story publicly
  • Encouraging conversations about emotional wellbeing
  • Supporting charities connected to Jade’s values
  • Liz completing a tandem skydive in Jade’s honor, symbolizing both bravery and love

Their openness has resonated with many and has helped frame Jade’s story in a way that prioritizes understanding and empathy.

Clarifying Rumors and Speculation

Some online discussions attempted to speculate about:

  • The nature of Jade and Ben’s breakup
  • Ben’s role in the events
  • Unverified claims shared on social media

However, official inquest findings provide the only reliable information:

  • Jade and Ben had ended their relationship the night before.
  • No evidence pointed to foul play or pressure.
  • Jade’s actions were her own.

Remaining grounded in verified facts respects both Jade’s memory and the privacy of those grieving.

Jade’s Legacy

Jade Damarell leaves behind a legacy of:

  • Adventure
  • Compassion
  • Achievement
  • Community impact
  • Inspiration

Her death has prompted important conversations about mental health, particularly within high-risk sports where emotional resilience is often assumed rather than nurtured.

Her family’s continued advocacy ensures that her story supports others who may be struggling.

Conclusion

For those seeking clarity: Jade Damarell’s boyfriend at the time of her death was skydiver Ben Goodfellow, with whom she shared an intense eight-month relationship that ended the night before her final jump.

But Jade’s story is much larger than one relationship or one moment in time. It is the story of a woman who lived boldly, inspired others, excelled professionally, and left a profound impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Her life—full of courage, talent, and heart—continues to inspire conversations around mental health, compassion, and the importance of checking in on loved ones.

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