Videographer who died in County Durham parachute jump was filming skydiver during fatal fall

A videographer who died during a parachute jump in County Durham had been filming another skydiver during the fatal fall, an inquest heard.

Sam Cornwell, 46, was skydiving on April 28 near Shotton Airfield when his main parachute failed to open properly. Mr Cornwell, of Hampshire, suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene at South West Industrial Estate near Peterlee.

A preliminary inquest hearing took place at Crook Civic Centre where coroner Jeremy Chipperfield heard from Jan Bostock, a senior environmental health officer at Durham County Council. Mr Bostock said the county council was seeking independent analysis of the altimeter, GoPro camera footage, and other equipment used by Mr Cornwell on the day.

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There was also CCTV footage from the industrial estate which showed how the falling parachutist struck a roof. Mr Bostock told the inquest he had watched the footage taken on Mr Cornwell's helmet-mounted camera of the other parachutist.

Mr Bostock said: "We have got the imagery of the person he is being paid to take the video of. They appear to shoot off, when it is actually their descent that is slowing.

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The inquest heard that Mr Cornwell's main canopy was then deployed but it was twisted, but he did not yet know why. Mr Bostock said that Mr Cornwell's reserve chute also did not properly deploy, and further investigation work was necessary.

Mr Chipperfield indicated that the full inquest hearing should be heard with a jury. The case was adjourned for a further hearing to assess progress on January 14, 2025.

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."