Latest news with #SkydiveBuzz
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Heartbroken partner of mother-of-four, 48, who died in tandem skydive tragedy reveals he wants to make the same jump in her memory
First-time jumpers at –Skydive Buzz gather in a small hangar at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, a Second World War naval base on Devon's Blackdown Hills, to watch a 15-minute safety video. This takes them through what will happen: the position to adopt when jumping out of the plane; the hand gestures used by their tandem instructors; how it will feel when they freefall for the 60 seconds before their parachute opens. The group – typically around six skydivers, each already securely harnessed to their instructors – then make their way across the Tarmac to the Beech 99 light aircraft, known for its fast ascent time. Once inside, it takes between 12 and 15 minutes for the plane to get to 15,000ft. Then a hatch at the back opens and, with the 'drop zone' a mere speck in a patchwork of green fields below, the pairs jump, one by one, into thin air. On the morning of Friday, June 13, Belinda Taylor and instructor Adam Harrison were among them. Belinda, 48, had never jumped before, but was an adrenaline junkie who would try anything once. The skydive had been a gift from her boyfriend Scott Armstrong, who was watching from the ground with his nine-year-old son. Adam, 30, was a veteran skydiver, with eight years' experience as a tandem instructor; a consummate professional with a passion for the skies. But within two minutes of exiting the plane, both Belinda, a mother of four and grandmother of two, and Adam were dead. Having fallen to earth at 120mph, their bodies were found, horrifyingly, by Scott in a nearby field. Their yellow-and-black jumpsuits were still attached together. Quite what happened – at that velocity, it would have taken just 102 seconds to reach the ground – is unknown, and the subject of an investigation. There are conflicting reports about whether their parachute was deployed, and police are believed to be analysing video footage from a camera that was attached to Adam. Seasoned skydivers have questioned why the reserve parachute – fitted as standard during every UK tandem jump, and triggered automatically when a skydiver descends too quickly or below a safe altitude – apparently failed to open. Speaking exclusively to the Mail, Belinda's family – including her ex-husband, Bachir Baaklini, and eldest son, Connor Bowles – have demanded 'justice'. 'Her kids want to know why their mum went to do something for fun and never made it back home,' said Bachir, 46, a restaurant owner who was married to Belinda from 2003 to 2013. 'She was supposed to be safe. We need to know what happened.' Scott, her heartbroken partner, told the Mail that Belinda was 'my everything', adding: 'I don't know who I am without her.' Traumatised by Belinda's loss, and clearly still in shock from finding her body, Scott says he is a 'shell without her'. Astonishingly, he revealed he wants to do a skydive in her memory – at the same place where she fell to her death. 'She was the last jump before it shut [Skydive Buzz has been closed since the incident],' he said. 'So I'd like to be the first jump when it opens back up again. I'd do it for her. If she was brave enough to jump out of a plane, then I want to do it, too.' And while Belinda's 20-year-old son, Elias, said she had joked beforehand about how the jump was due to take place on Friday the 13th, supposedly an 'unlucky' day, skydiving deaths are extremely rare. Globally, there is about one fatality per 100,000 skydives, and in Britain the figure is even lower. The British Parachute Association said that between 2001 and 2020, there were no tandem skydive fatalities. Due to the presence of an instructor – who must have completed 500 tandem jumps before qualifying – tandem skydives are much safer than solo ones. The chance of spraining an ankle during a tandem jump is less than one in 2,500. The statistics are reassuring but the Mail can reveal there was an added challenge for Belinda – she was partially sighted and had only recently given up using guide dogs, instead relying on her partner's support. She also suffered from fibromyalgia, causing chronic pain and fatigue. Bachir, who had two children, Emily and Elias, with Belinda, and became a stepfather to her older sons, Connor, 27, and Jamie, 25, said he met Belinda when he was working in London as a barber. 'She was a bit crazy. She was up for anything. She was a life-lover.' Already a mother-of-two, separated from her sons' father, Belinda was struggling to juggle parenting two young boys with her job as a dental nurse. She retrained as a masseuse and reflexologist, a more flexible role. Scott said he and Belinda had lived with his son and her daughter, Emily, 13, in Totnes, and that she was determined to wring every ounce of enjoyment out of life. 'She was an absolute nutcase who loved exploring. We moved to Devon three years ago and we got rid of our TVs, [had] no computers, nothing. All we wanted was to be outside, seeing the world together.' After the jump, Belinda had been due to join Connor's birthday celebration. Scott bought the £219 skydive as a gift for his girlfriend; a 'thank you' present, he said, for letting his son move into their home. 'They were the last group to go up,' he recalled. 'I was using binoculars and saw them all jump and noticed that one chute hadn't opened. I was freaking out. They disappeared from view, and I jumped in my car with my lad and raced across the fields. 'I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight.' At around 12.30 pm, Bachir got a phone call from Scott. Devastated, Bachir relayed the news to his sons. Unable to drive due to the shock, he and his wife got on the first train to Devon. 'I couldn't stop crying all weekend,' he says. 'None of us could.' Skydive Buzz, which did not respond to enquiries from the Mail, said it was 'heartbroken' by the incident. 'Safety is, and always has been, our top priority,' declared the company, which was originally called Skydive UK and has been operating since 1999. Devon and Cornwall Police said 'enquiries remain ongoing'. But over a week after this devastating tragedy, very little information has emerged. There is no suggestion of any fault, by the instructor, the jump team or the company. But questions remain over how this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ended in two deaths. Adam Harrison, who lived in Bournemouth, had worked at Skydive Buzz since September 2021, and was studying to be a chiropractor. He has been remembered this week for his 'warmth, openness and positivity'. A skydiver, who did not want to be named, did a jump with Adam last August and described him as 'an incredible instructor'. 'I'd never done anything like it before and I was feeling nervous,' she told the Mail. 'I warmed to him straight away. He was very professional. Everything felt completely safe.' Reviews of Skydive Buzz are equally full of praise, though some claim that 'hard selling' is used to persuade jumpers to upgrade from the cheaper 7,000ft jump (£149) to 15,000ft. 'They spoke down to those who had only purchased the 7,000ft jump,' reads a one-star review. Belinda had originally been signed up to do the 7,000ft jump, but decided at the last minute to do the 15,000ft one. There is no suggestion the height of the skydive contributed to what happened. It is likely to be several months before Belinda's loved ones know the truth. On Monday, they will meet to discuss the details of her funeral – and what this extraordinary woman with an undimmable zest for life might have wanted. 'To be honest, I'm dreading what's ahead,' says Scott. 'None of this was the plan.'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mother-of-four, 48, who plummeted 15,000ft to her death in tandem skydive tragedy was 'laughing and joking up to the last minute'
A mother-of-four who plummeted 15,000ft to her death in a skydive tragedy was 'laughing and joking up to the last minute,' her partner shared. Belinda Taylor, from Totnes in Devon, fell to her death alongside instructor Adam Harrison in a 'tragic accident' at Dunkeswell Airfield, in Devon. Her grieving boyfriend Scott Armstrong told the BBC one of the other people on the plane messaged him to say Ms Taylor was 'really excited' for the jump. 'Somebody had sent me the nicest message last night. 'They said they were on the plane with her and she was laughing and joking and really excited of going up to the last minute. And I needed to hear that,' he said. The 48-year-old had only planned a 7,000ft jump when she arrived at the centre last Friday before changing her mind at the last minute. Mr Armstrong had bought the skydive experience for her as a present, she initially planned a 7,000ft jump before changing her mind at the last minute. He said: 'I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight. 'I miss her so much. I'm so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we'll never forget her.' Operator Skydive Buzz advertises jumps from 7,000ft, 10,000ft and 15,000ft - with the company's website proudly claiming: 'No one jumps from higher in the UK!' Devon and Cornwall Police and the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry are both investigating the cause of the accident. Meanwhile Ms Taylor's son Elias, 20, said she had become more 'adventurous' after meeting her new boyfriend Mr Armstrong. Elias, a university student who lives in west London, described his mother, 48, as 'selfless', telling MailOnline: 'She really just put everyone above herself. It's really difficult for [younger sister] Emily as she was the one living there with mum. 'I spoke to her a week before it happened. It's kind of weird thinking about it now, but at the time obviously she was saying how the jump would take place on Friday 13th and all those things. 'You don't really expect what happened to happened. She was mentioning it in a jokey way. 'It's all still a bit of a shock. Recently she had Scott and two of his kids, and looked after them. She was getting more adventurous with him, kayaking and stuff, looking to have that excitement and have more fun. 'She talked for ages and ages, and always wanted to have a chat. She was such a positive person.' Belinda Taylor's grieving partner Scott Armstrong has paid tribute to her on Facebook Devon and Cornwall Police said the force was alerted to the incident at about 1pm on Friday, while confirming an investigation had been launched He added: 'We just want answers about what happened and how it could have happened. 'We want as much information as possible - we feel like it would help us be at peace.' Her eldest son Connor Bowles has said: 'On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor. 'She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children. 'She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones.' Her tandem partner Mr Harrison from Bournemouth had worked as a skydiving instructor since September 2020. The 30-year-old, who has been described by his sister as 'wonderful', was also training as a chiropractor. In a tribute, Mr Harrison's sister Amy Harrison extended her condolences to Ms Taylor's family. She said: 'Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis.' A statement from Skydive Buzz posted on Facebook said: 'We are heartbroken to confirm that an incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. 'Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event. 'As per standard procedure, the relevant authorities were contacted immediately, and the appropriate investigation protocols were initiated without delay. 'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now investigate the accident. 'Once complete, a report – including conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC), and other relevant bodies. 'Safety is, and always has been, our top priority. We are fully cooperating with the investigation and continue to uphold the highest possible standards in everything we do.' It comes after a separate skydiver was feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. Emergency services were called to the scene at Dunkeswell Airfield on Friday at about 1pm Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the base. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions. MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies. For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit or visit the
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Mum persuaded to DOUBLE height of deadly skydive by firm who boasted ‘no-one jumps from higher' as fall caught on camera
A MUM-of-four killed in a skydive tragedy was persuaded to double the height of the jump minutes before taking off. Belinda Taylor, from Totnes in Devon, fell 15,000ft to her death alongside instructor Adam Harrison in a 'tragic accident' at Dunkeswell Airfield, in Devon. Advertisement 5 Belinda Taylor, 48, died from falling 15,000ft in a tragic skydiving accident Credit: facebook/scottarmstrong 5 Scott Armstrong, who bought the skydive gift for his partner, Belinder Taylor Credit: Facebook 5 A probe is underway after the pair fell to their deaths Credit: SWNS But the 48-year-old had only planned a 7,000ft jump when she arrived at the centre on Friday before changing her mind at the last minute. Her grieving boyfriend, Scott Armstrong - who bought the skydive experience for the 48-year-old as a present. He said: "The plan was to do a 7,000ft jump, but at the last minute she said she wanted to do a 15,000ft one, so I paid the extra money. "I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight. Advertisement "I miss her so much. I'm so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we'll never forget her." Operator Skydive Buzz advertises jumps from 7,000ft, 10,000ft and 15,000ft with the company's website proudly claiming "No-one jumps from higher in the UK!". But previous customers have slammed them for "bullying" customers into upgrading to a higher jump than they are comfortable with and claimed the safety briefing was used to "hard sell upgrades". One posted on Tripadvisor: "When we arrived we were almost bullied into feeling like we should purchase upgrades but having done it before knew this was not necessary. Advertisement "The briefing was a sales technique whereby we were told anything less than a 15,000 jump was a waste of money that we wouldn't enjoy." All the man was interested in doing was upselling A previous jumper at Skydive Buzz A mum who took her daughters to Skydive Buzz added: "From the minute you arrived it was all about getting more money from you. "My two daughters age 20 and 16 had pre-paid for a 7,000 ft jump as they were doing it to raise money for their expedition next year. "I attended the Safety briefing with the girls and after the 10 minute tick box risk assessment exercise the rest of the 45 minutes was hard sell - upgrades from £130, £180 for a video and photos, £50 to go as a passenger in the plane, £5 to go in bus and watch them land, you had to even pay for a shower after." Advertisement Another jumper added: "When we had our briefing, all the man was interested in doing was upselling. "Five minutes was how to land and the rest was comments saying if you don't pay for photos it's not worth it, if you do 7,000ft it's not worth it, if you don't have a video, its not worth it. "I continued to refuse. After the briefing and we were getting ready they were so intent on getting money that they came and asked us again to pay for the 15,000ft skydive." "Completely ruined the whole experience." Advertisement Devon and Cornwall Police and the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry are both investigating the cause of the accident. Meanwhile Ms Taylor's son Elias, 20, said she had become more "adventurous" after meeting her new boyfriend Scott Armstrong, who brought the jump for her as a present. 'A SHOCK' Elias, a university student who lives in west London, described his mother, 48, as "selfless", adding: "She really just put everyone above herself. "It's really difficult for (younger sister) Emily, as she was the one living there with mum. Advertisement "I spoke to her a week before it happened. "It's kind of weird thinking about it now, but at the time obviously she was saying how the jump would take place on Friday 13th and all those things ... you don't really expect what happened to happened. "She was mentioning it in a jokey way. "It's all still a bit of a shock. Recently she had (boyfriend) Scott and two of his kids, and looked after them. Advertisement "She was getting more adventurous with him, kayaking and stuff, looking to have that excitement and have more fun." "She talked for ages and ages, and always wanted to have a chat. She was such a positive person." He added: "We just want answers about what happened and how it could have happened. "We want as much information as possible, we feel like it would help us be at peace." Advertisement Eldest son Connor Bowles added: "On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor. TRIBUTES "She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children. "She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones." Her tandem partner Mr Harrison from Bournemouth, had worked as a skydiving instructor since September 2020. Advertisement The 30-year-old, who has been described by his sister as 'wonderful', was also training as a chiropractor. In a tribute, Mr Harrison's sister, Amy Harrison, extended her condolences to Ms Taylor's family. She said: "Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor, and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis." A statement from Skydive Buzz posted on Facebook said: "We are heartbroken to confirm that an incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. Advertisement "Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event. "As per standard procedure, the relevant authorities were contacted immediately, and the appropriate investigation protocols were initiated without delay. "A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now investigate the accident. "Once complete, a report – including conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC), and other relevant bodies. Advertisement "Safety is, and always has been, our top priority. "We are fully cooperating with the investigation and continue to uphold the highest possible standards in everything we do." The Sun has reached out to Skydive Buzz for comment. 5 Skydiving instructor Adam Harrison died in the tandem jump accident Credit: Teleg website Advertisement
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
Mum persuaded to DOUBLE height of deadly skydive by firm who boasted ‘no-one jumps from higher' as fall caught on camera
A MUM-of-four killed in a skydive tragedy was persuaded to double the height of the jump minutes before taking off. Belinda Taylor, from Totnes in Devon, fell 15,000ft to her death alongside instructor Adam Harrison in a 'tragic accident' at Dunkeswell Airfield, in Devon. 5 5 But the 48-year-old had only planned a 7,000ft jump when she arrived at the centre on Friday before changing her mind at the last minute. Her grieving boyfriend, Scott Armstrong - who bought the skydive experience for the 48-year-old as a present. He said: "The plan was to do a 7,000ft jump, but at the last minute she said she wanted to do a 15,000ft one, so I paid the extra money. "I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight. "I miss her so much. I'm so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we'll never forget her." Operator Skydive Buzz advertises jumps from 7,000ft, 10,000ft and 15,000ft with the company's website proudly claiming "No-one jumps from higher in the UK!". But previous customers have slammed them for "bullying" customers into upgrading to a higher jump than they are comfortable with and claimed the safety briefing was used to "hard sell upgrades". One posted on Tripadvisor: "When we arrived we were almost bullied into feeling like we should purchase upgrades but having done it before knew this was not necessary. "The briefing was a sales technique whereby we were told anything less than a 15,000 jump was a waste of money that we wouldn't enjoy." A mum who took her daughters to Skydive Buzz added: "From the minute you arrived it was all about getting more money from you. "My two daughters age 20 and 16 had pre-paid for a 7,000 ft jump as they were doing it to raise money for their expedition next year. "I attended the Safety briefing with the girls and after the 10 minute tick box risk assessment exercise the rest of the 45 minutes was hard sell - upgrades from £130, £180 for a video and photos, £50 to go as a passenger in the plane, £5 to go in bus and watch them land, you had to even pay for a shower after." Another jumper added: "When we had our briefing, all the man was interested in doing was upselling. "Five minutes was how to land and the rest was comments saying if you don't pay for photos it's not worth it, if you do 7,000ft it's not worth it, if you don't have a video, its not worth it. "I continued to refuse. After the briefing and we were getting ready they were so intent on getting money that they came and asked us again to pay for the 15,000ft skydive." "Completely ruined the whole experience." Devon and Cornwall Police and the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry are both investigating the cause of the accident. Meanwhile Ms Taylor's son Elias, 20, said she had become more "adventurous" after meeting her new boyfriend Scott Armstrong, who brought the jump for her as a present. 'A SHOCK' Elias, a university student who lives in west London, described his mother, 48, as "selfless", adding: "She really just put everyone above herself. "It's really difficult for (younger sister) Emily, as she was the one living there with mum. "I spoke to her a week before it happened. "It's kind of weird thinking about it now, but at the time obviously she was saying how the jump would take place on Friday 13th and all those things ... you don't really expect what happened to happened. "She was mentioning it in a jokey way. "It's all still a bit of a shock. Recently she had (boyfriend) Scott and two of his kids, and looked after them. "She was getting more adventurous with him, kayaking and stuff, looking to have that excitement and have more fun." "She talked for ages and ages, and always wanted to have a chat. She was such a positive person." He added: "We just want answers about what happened and how it could have happened. "We want as much information as possible, we feel like it would help us be at peace." Eldest son Connor Bowles added: "On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor. TRIBUTES "She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children. "She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones." Her tandem partner Mr Harrison from Bournemouth, had worked as a skydiving instructor since September 2020. The 30-year-old, who has been described by his sister as 'wonderful', was also training as a chiropractor. In a tribute, Mr Harrison's sister, Amy Harrison, extended her condolences to Ms Taylor's family. She said: "Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor, and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis." A statement from Skydive Buzz posted on Facebook said: "We are heartbroken to confirm that an incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. "Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event. "As per standard procedure, the relevant authorities were contacted immediately, and the appropriate investigation protocols were initiated without delay. "A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now investigate the accident. "Once complete, a report – including conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC), and other relevant bodies. "Safety is, and always has been, our top priority. "We are fully cooperating with the investigation and continue to uphold the highest possible standards in everything we do." The Sun has reached out to Skydive Buzz for comment.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE 'Adrenaline junkie' mother-of-four, 48, doubled the height of her tandem sky dive jump before she plunged 15,000ft to her death with instructor
An 'adrenaline junkie' mother of four killed in a skydive tragedy decided to double the height of the jump minutes before taking off, MailOnline can reveal. Belinda Taylor, from Totnes in Devon, fell 15,000ft to her death alongside instructor Adam Harrison in a 'tragic accident' at Dunkeswell Airfield, in Devon. But the 48-year-old had only planned a 7,000ft jump when she arrived at the centre last Friday before changing her mind at the last minute. Her grieving boyfriend Scott Armstrong, who has described her as 'an adrenaline junkie and an adventurer', had bought the skydive experience for her as a present. He said: 'The plan was to do a 7,000ft jump, but at the last minute she said she wanted to do a 15,000ft one, so I paid the extra money. 'I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight. 'I miss her so much. I'm so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we'll never forget her.' Operator Skydive Buzz advertises jumps from 7,000ft, 10,000ft and 15,000ft - with the company's website proudly claiming: 'No one jumps from higher in the UK!' Devon and Cornwall Police and the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry are both investigating the cause of the accident. Meanwhile Ms Taylor's son Elias, 20, said she had become more 'adventurous' after meeting her new boyfriend Mr Armstrong. Elias, a university student who lives in west London, described his mother, 48, as 'selfless', telling MailOnline: 'She really just put everyone above herself. It's really difficult for [younger sister] Emily as she was the one living there with mum. 'I spoke to her a week before it happened. It's kind of weird thinking about it now, but at the time obviously she was saying how the jump would take place on Friday 13th and all those things. 'You don't really expect what happened to happened. She was mentioning it in a jokey way. 'It's all still a bit of a shock. Recently she had Scott and two of his kids, and looked after them. She was getting more adventurous with him, kayaking and stuff, looking to have that excitement and have more fun. 'She talked for ages and ages, and always wanted to have a chat. She was such a positive person.' Belinda Taylor's grieving partner Scott Armstrong has paid tribute to her on Facebook He added: 'We just want answers about what happened and how it could have happened. 'We want as much information as possible - we feel like it would help us be at peace.' Her eldest son Connor Bowles has said: 'On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor. 'She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children. 'She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones.' Her tandem partner Mr Harrison from Bournemouth had worked as a skydiving instructor since September 2020. The 30-year-old, who has been described by his sister as 'wonderful', was also training as a chiropractor. In a tribute, Mr Harrison's sister Amy Harrison extended her condolences to Ms Taylor's family. She said: 'Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis.' A statement from Skydive Buzz posted on Facebook said: 'We are heartbroken to confirm that an incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. 'Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event. 'As per standard procedure, the relevant authorities were contacted immediately, and the appropriate investigation protocols were initiated without delay. 'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now investigate the accident. 'Once complete, a report – including conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC), and other relevant bodies. 'Safety is, and always has been, our top priority. We are fully cooperating with the investigation and continue to uphold the highest possible standards in everything we do.' It comes after a separate skydiver was feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. Emergency services were called to the scene at Dunkeswell Airfield on Friday at about 1pm Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the base. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions. MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies.
