A skydiving company has said it is ‘deeply saddened’ after one of its videographers died during a parachute jump.

The man, who worked for SkyHigh Skydiving Peterlee, was pronounced dead after landing in South West Industrial Estate in Shotton.

It is understood he landed on a factory roof just before 12.30pm on Saturday.

Emergency services were called to the scene and the area was closed off.

SkyHigh Skydiving said the man, who was in his 40s, was a member of staff and his death has devastated the team.

The company has said it will be closed this week while it comes to terms with the tragedy.

A spokesman for the firm said: “Following a serious incident on April 27, we have taken the decision to close our operations until Friday May 3.

“The incident involved one of our staff videographers and not one of our one-off charity jumpers.”

Sky High Skydiving, formerly Peterlee Parachute Centre, has been at Shotton Colliery since 1987 and was taken over by four local businessmen with a passion for the sport in 2020.

People can do tandem jumps for fun or for charity but people can also to learn to jump solo and gain internationally recognised skydiving licenses.

Investigations are now being carried out by Durham Constabulary and the sport’s governing body to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

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The Sky High Skydiving Peterlee spokesman said: “We are now assisting British Skydiving and the police with enquires.

“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of a close friend, colleague and talented member of our team, our skydiving family.

“So please bear with us during this difficult time.

“If you have a jump booked, you will be contacted in the next few days by our office team to arrange a new date for you to come in and complete your jump.”

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The company has been inundated with messages of support following the man’s death on Saturday.

Writing on its Facebook page, Richie Smith said: “Thinking of my skydiving family at this horrific time.

“Sending my love to you all and my condolences to the family.

“You are the best at what we do and you will get through this very sad time. Much love to all.”

The Northern Echo:

John Campbell offered his deepest condolences following the loss of 'a valued team and family member'.

He said: “You and their family are in my thoughts during this difficult time.

“May you find comfort and strength in the love and support of those around you.”

Denise Hubble said: “Thinking of the family, also everyone at Sky High Skydiving Peterlee who had to witness this devastating event happening to their close friend and colleague.”

“Our thoughts are with you all.”