Videographer from Hampshire dies whilst skydiving due to failure of parachute opening, police confirms

Durham Police said Sam Cornwell, 46, from Hampshire, was skydiving on Saturday April 28 near Shotton airfield in County Durham, when his parachute failed to open. He suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene at South West Industrial Estate in Shotton.

The force said his death was being treated as ‘unexpected’ and inquires remain ongoing.

Sky-High Skydiving, which operates out of the airfield, previously said: “We are all deeply saddened by the loss of a close friend, colleague and talented member of our team, our skydiving family.” The firm said it was working with Durham Police and British Skydiving to investigate what happened.

The fall may have been seen by drivers using the A19 that day and the police have appealed for anyone using the road at around 12:20pm, or who has dashcam footage from that period, to call them on 101.

For more information about how to get in touch with the police regarding the death, click here.