The family statement in full

"Carol Barnes and Denis MacShane have lost their lovely and much loved daughter, Clare, in a skydiving accident in Melbourne on Sunday.

"Clare was born on 14 July 1979. She was close to both her parents, to her brother James and her halfsisters 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. After she jumped with friends from the plane she kissed her boyfriend as they flew together in the blue skies of Australia, where she found happiness and was looking forward to living permanently.

"Her parachutes malfunctioned and she fought to control her fall all the way to the final, instant oblivion.

"She will live for ever in the memory of her parents, family and friends. Carol, Denis and James will fly to Melbourne to make funeral arrangements."