The tragic 46-year-old videographer was filming another skydiver when his parachute failed to open and he fell to his death, the investigation found

An investigation found that a videographer who died during a skydive had filmed another skydiver during his fatal fall.

Sam Cornwell, 46, from Hampshire, was skydiving near Shotton airfield in County Durham on April 28 when his main parachute failed to open properly.

He suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on the South West Industrial Estate near Peterlee.

A preliminary inquest was held at the Crook Civic Centre, where Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield heard from Jan Bostock, a senior environmental health officer for Durham County Council.

Mr Bostock said the county council wanted an independent analysis of the altimeter, GoPro camera footage and other equipment used by Mr Cornwell that day.

The scene at the South West Industrial Estate in Shotton after the parachute crash

The investigation also found that there was video footage from a surveillance camera in the industrial area showing the skydiver diving and crashing into a roof.

Mr Bostock said he had viewed footage of the other skydiver taken by the camera mounted on Mr Cornwell's helmet.

“We have pictures of the person he is being paid to videotape,” Bostock said.

“It looks like they are taking off, but in reality their descent is slowing down.”

The officer stated during the investigation that Mr. Cornwell's main parachute was then deployed but was twisted, which he does not yet know why.

Mr Bostock said Mr Cornwell's reserve parachute had also not opened properly and further investigations were needed.

Mr Chipperfield pointed out that the entire investigation should be carried out with a jury.

He adjourned the case to another hearing on January 14 to assess the progress of the proceedings.

Sky-High Skydiving, which operates from the airfield, previously stated: “We are all deeply saddened by the loss of a close friend, colleague and talented member of our team, our skydiving family.”

His relatives also paid tribute to Mr Cornwell with social media posts at the time.

His sister, Toni Cornwell, said on Facebook: “My dear brother Sam sadly passed away on Saturday in a skydiving accident.”

“Words cannot describe how we feel. He meant so much to so many people. He was very popular and will be missed very much.”

His best friend Jerrie Mallon said: “I really can't believe I have to write this post but I am deeply heartbroken to have lost my best mate of 47 years, 'my brother from another mother' over the weekend.”