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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Rebecca Whittaker

Woman dies in County Durham skydiving incident

A woman has died following a skydiving incident - (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A woman has died following a skydiving incident, police said.

Emergency services were called to Shotton Colliery, near Peterlee in County Durham, on Sunday morning.

The woman, who was in her 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Durham Police said her death is not being treated as suspicious.

“A file will now be prepared for the coroner,” a spokesman for the force added.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called to an incident at Shotton Colliery in County Durham on Sunday 27 April at 10.17.

“We dispatched one ambulance crew and one specialist paramedic to the incident.”

SkyHigh Skydiving Peterlee, which operates from the nearby Peterlee Airfield, has issued a statement following the incident.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April 2025 involving a valued member of our community,” it said.

The skydiving company said that all indications suggest this was a deliberate act taken to end her own life.

It added: “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.

“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.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you

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