Durham Police said Sam Cornwell, 46, from Hampshire, was skydiving near Shotton airfield in County Durham, when his parachute failed to open on the weekend – he sadly passed away
A videographer who tragically died after his parachute failed to open has been named by the police.
Sam Cornwell, 46, from Hampshire, tragically died after skydiving on Saturday April 28 near Shotton airfield in County Durham. He endured critical injuries and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at South West Industrial Estate. Police said his death was being treated as “unexpected” and inquires remain ongoing.
North East Ambulance Service said a number of emergency service vehicles were dispatched to the scene after Mr Cornwell’s parachute failed to open. The videographer was employed at Sky-High Skydiving, which operates out of the airfield. The company confirmed an investigation will take place with the British Skydiving Board. In a statement, they said: We are all deeply saddened by the loss of a close friend, colleague and talented member of our team, our skydiving family.”
They added: “The British Skydiving Board will investigate the incident and when completed it will submit its findings to the relevant authorities.” Tributes have since poured in on social media for the 46-year-old. Mr Cornwell’s sister Toni said: “My lovely brother Sam sadly passed away after a skydiving accident. Words can’t describe how we are feeling. He meant so much to so many people. He was very loved and will be sorely missed.”
His best friend Jerrie Mallon described him as his “brother from another mother” and said he was the “kindest” person he knew, reports Northern Echo. He wrote on Facebook: “I really can’t understand why it had to happen to the kindest most caring human I’ve ever known. It was an honour to have you as our best man for our wedding and you even managed to get me there on time.
“We’re just so devastated our little Walter will never get to know his Godfather and understand what a true legend of a gentleman you are. I always imagined us two sitting in a bar in our 80s sipping on our pints telling the young nippers about our unbelievable reckless antics we got up to as we grew up terrorising the streets of Godshill. Who’s going to back up the stories now?” Durham Police are appealing for anyone who could have dashcam footage who were using the A19 at around 12.20pm on the day of the incident. Anyone with information has been urged to contact the police on 101.
