Els Clottemans, born in 1980, was a Belgian elementary school teacher and an amateur skydiver. She was a member of the Zwartberg parachute club in eastern Flanders, where she developed close relationships with fellow skydivers, including Els Van Doren and Dutch instructor Marcel Somers.

In 2006, a complex love triangle emerged among Clottemans, Van Doren, and Somers. Both women were engaged in intimate relationships with Somers, though it remains unclear if Van Doren was aware of Clottemans' involvement with him. Tensions escalated when, during a weekend at Somers' residence, Van Doren spent the night with Somers while Clottemans slept downstairs. ​

On November 18, 2006, during a group skydive over Flanders, Van Doren's parachutes failed to deploy, leading to her fatal fall from over 2 miles (3.2 km) altitude. Subsequent investigations revealed that both the main and reserve parachute cords had been deliberately cut.

Clottemans became a suspect after attempting suicide shortly before providing a second statement to the police. The investigation uncovered her romantic involvement with Somers and her potential motive rooted in jealousy. 

In January 2007, Clottemans was arrested and charged with Van Doren's murder. Her trial commenced in September 2010, drawing significant media attention. Despite the absence of direct forensic evidence, the prosecution presented a compelling circumstantial case, highlighting Clottemans' opportunity and motive. On October 20, 2010, she was found guilty of premeditated murder and subsequently sentenced to 30 years in prison.