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Pamela Gower named as 'failed parachute' victim Pamela Gower skydive death: Family tribute to 'determined' woman
(about 5 hours later)
A woman who died after crash landing in a housing estate when it is thought her parachute failed to open "lived life to the full", her cousin said. The family of a woman who died after crashing to the ground in a housing estate while taking part in a skydive say she was "wonderful and determined".
Pamela Gower, 49, of Hebburn, South Tyneside, was found on Saturday in a road close to the airfield at Shotton Colliery where her plane had taken off.Pamela Gower, 49, of Hebburn, South Tyneside, was found on Saturday in a road close to the airfield at Shotton Colliery where her plane had taken off.
Her cousin Anthony Cairns' Facebook tribute said: "We will all always love you so much." It had been thought her parachute failed to open, but it has now emerged her reserve parachute did deploy.
The death is being investigated by the British Parachuting Association (BPA). Miss Gower's parents Catherine and Len said she would be "hugely missed".
Tony Butler, spokesman for the BPA said the case was a priority and would hopefully be completed within three to four weeks. The death is being investigated by the British Parachuting Association (BPA), Durham Police and the Civil Aviation Authority.
In a statement released by Durham Police, Mr and Mrs Gower said: "Pamela was a great girl who was loved by her family so much and was a wonderful daughter and sister.
"Pamela was a very determined and independent woman who let nothing get in her way.
"It was lovely to hear the warm messages from everyone and we would like to thank people for sending us their kind words.
"We would also like to thank all those who were involved in trying to help Pamela, from the nurse and the ex-soldier who were first on the scene to the various agencies who tried to save Pamela, including the police, ambulance service, paramedics and the hospital.
"As a family we are devastated at this very difficult time and would appreciate privacy to grieve in peace."
Miss Gower, who had dwarfism, was an employment advisor at Remploy's Newcastle branch and supported disabled people into work.Miss Gower, who had dwarfism, was an employment advisor at Remploy's Newcastle branch and supported disabled people into work.
A Remploy spokesman said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Pam's tragic accident.A Remploy spokesman said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Pam's tragic accident.
"She had worked for the company for many years and was a valued and respected member of the Remploy team.""She had worked for the company for many years and was a valued and respected member of the Remploy team."
'Not screaming'
The coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out.The coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out.
It is understood residents carried out CPR before paramedics arrived at the scene, where Ms Gower had landed close to a car at about 15:45 BST. It is understood residents tried to save Ms Gower after she landed close to a parked car at about 15:45 BST.
One witness, who did not want to be named, said it did not look like the woman was moving and he thought she was unconscious. Durham Police said it had now been established that Miss Gower's reserve parachute did deploy.
"She was not screaming," he said. "All I can see is her spinning like a top."
He did not see the impact, but said she appeared to have suffered a serious head injury.