Tributes paid after woman dies in County Durham skydive tragedy

A 49-year-old from Hebburm, South Tyneside, died after becoming injured when the parachute failed to open, according to Durham Constabulary.

Police say she was found in an area close to Shotton Airfield, from which the plane she had been travelling in had set out.

After being treated at the scene and airlifted to the James Cook Memorial Hospital in Middlesbrough, she died yesterday evening.

As the tragic news broke, readers paid their respects on the Gazette's Facebook page.

Val Puttock Mccourt posted: "How very sad my thoughts are with her family."

Jeanette Netty Mckenna added: "Thoughts go out to her family x soooo sad x R.I.P. x"

Stacey Kerrigan said: "So tragic and terrifying poor poor woman RIP x thoughts with her family and friends."

Joanne Helme McIntosh posted: "Awful awful news....my thoughts and love are with her family at the devastating time....she will be hugely missed xxx"

Julie Bennett added: "So sad x"

Diane Knott said: "This is horrendous. God bless her and the family x"

Cheryl McDonald posted: "So tragic x"

Jo-anne Crow added: "Omg this is tragic."

Vikki Kyle said: "Awful.. Rip flower xxx"

Alison Ward posted: "Tragic news, RIP Angel x x"

Deborah Goodall added: "Tragic RIP XX"

Pauline Fawcett said: "Thoughts are with the family , so sad !!"

Lynette Jones posted: "RIP thoughts are with her family xxx"

Sandra Dixon added: "Tragic news, RIP xx"

Edith Mason said: "OMG, so sorry for this lady and her family. X"

Dinky Cyril Bewick posted: "R.iP so sad tragic accident x"

Vicky Logan added: "This is so tragic. R.i.p. my thoughts are with the family and friends of this lady x x"

Janet Mckenna said: "Awww poor soul, its so sad. My thoughts are with family & friends at this sad time. R. I. P x"

Leslie Brown posted: "R I P thoughts go to family and friends."