A man from Hampshire has died after a sky-diving tragedy last month.

Videographer Sam Cornwell, 46, was skydiving 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.

Following the tragedy, Durham Police launched an investigation.

A spokesperson for the force said his death was being treated as “unexpected” and enquiries remain ongoing.

Heartfelt tributes have poured in following Mr Cornwell’s death on Saturday, April 28.

Writing on social media, 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.”

Mr Cornwell’s best friend Jerrie Mallon said: “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.”

Mr Cornwell was working for Sky-High Skydiving, which operates out of the airfield, when he died.

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

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 extreme sport in 2020.

The company has closed down operation this week while heartbroken staff come to terms with the tragedy.

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 police appealed for anyone using the road at around 12.20pm, or who has dashcam footage from that period, to call them on 101.