A woman in her 30s has tragically died following a skydiving incident near Peterlee, County Durham. Emergency services rushed to the scene in Shotton Colliery on Sunday morning, but the woman was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Durham Police confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious. “A file will now be prepared for the coroner,” a police spokesperson stated. The North East Ambulance Service responded promptly after receiving a call at 10:17 am on 27 April.
“We dispatched one ambulance crew and one specialist paramedic to the incident,” a spokesperson confirmed.
The incident occurred near Peterlee Airfield, where SkyHigh Skydiving Peterlee operates. The centre has since issued a heartfelt statement, confirming the woman was part of their skydiving community.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April 2025 involving a valued member of our community,” the statement read.
The company indicated that initial findings suggest the woman took deliberate action to end her life.
“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.”
The news has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider skydiving circle. The woman, whose identity has not yet been made public, was known among those at the airfield.
Authorities are continuing their inquiries, and the case will be passed to the coroner for further investigation.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the mental health struggles many face in silence. Support is vital, and help is always available for those who need it. The County Durham community now mourns the loss of a woman whose life ended far too soon.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or finding it hard to cope, help is available. You can contact the Samaritans for free, confidential support by calling 116 123 (available in the UK and Republic of Ireland), emailing [email protected], or visiting their website to locate your nearest branch.
For those in the United States, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 support. Call or text 988, or head to 988lifeline.org to access online chat. This service is free, confidential, and open to everyone.
If you’re elsewhere in the world, visit www.befrienders.org to find mental health support in your region.
