15/03/2004

Daughter of Foreign Minister dies in skydiving accident

The daughter of Foreign Office Minister Denis MacShane has died in a tragic skydiving accident in Australia.

Clare Barnes, 24, a skydiving enthusiast, was jumping with her boyfriend in Melbourne on Sunday when it is believed that her parachute malfunctioned.

A statement released by the Foreign Office website said: "She was close to both her parents, to her brother, James and her half-sisters and half-brother who are united in grief at the loss of a beautiful young woman who made more friends in her short life than most manage over long decades. She died as she lived, living at the edge of experience in a sport that gave her immense pleasure."

It added: "She will live forever in the memory of her parents, family and friends."

Clare's mother, newsreader Carol Barnes, and Mr MacShane will fly to Melbourne to make funeral arrangements.

(gmcg)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

04 June 2009
Serial Sex Attacker Jailed For Life
A children's football coach who preyed on women in south west London, over a period of six years, has been jailed for life. Kirk Reid, 44, was convicted of two rapes and 24 sexual assaults and will be sentenced at Kingstown Crown Court later today and must serve at least seven-and-a-half years.
04 March 2008
Newsreader Carol Barnes Seriously Ill
Former ITN newsreader Carol Barnes is seriously ill in hospital, her management has confirmed. According to reports, the 63-year-old has suffered a stroke.
23 April 2013
Police Believe Baby Alia Lived For A 'Short Period Of Time'
Detectives investigating the death of a newborn baby believe she lived independently of her mother for a short period of time. Police have also released images of items that were recovered along with her body. Shortly before 4.
16 April 2013
Arrests Made Following Football Violence
Two men have been arrested in connection with violence during the FA Cup semi-final held at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Fourteen people were arrested, twelve of which were identified as Millwall fans and two as Wigan supporters.
04 November 2013
Arrest After Two Girls Are Killed In Gosport
The school has described the two girls who were struck by a car and killed on Sunday morning as "independent and strong minded individuals". Jasmine Allsopp, 14, and Olivia Lewry, 16, were run down by a green Honda Civic on Ann's Hill road in Hampshire. According to Hampshire Police Jasmine died at the scene and Olivia died in hospital.