Sarah Darnley was born in Elgin, the elder of two daughters of Edmund and Anne Darnley. During her schooldays she was a talented gymnast.

Sarah started working offshore as a steward. She worked on various rigs, including a spell in the Falkland Islands. When not working she loved to travel.

Sarah was one of four offshore workers who died when the helicopter on which they were travelling back to shore crashed into the North Sea.