An Australian Defence Force soldier and son of a former federal minister has died after a parachute incident during a training exercise.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was a “much loved and respected soldier”, acting special operations commander Brigadier James Kidd said on Thursday.
He is the son of former Labor defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon.
“Our lives will never be the same without Jack but we will always remain proud of him and his many achievements,” Mr Fitzgibbon said in a statement read by Kidd.
The incident happened on Wednesday night during what Defence described as a routine training activity at the RAAF Base in Richmond, about 50km northwest of Sydney.
He was taken to hospital in a serious condition but later died.
Cpl Fitzgibbon’s fellow members of the 2nd Commando Regiment were still processing the news at Holsworthy Barracks, Kidd said.
All parachute training has been paused and defence has launched an investigation.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was the son of former Labor defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon (pictured). Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
“Military training is inherently risky and we remain committed to constantly training at the highest standard to achieve the level of excellence that we know our nation demands of us,” Kidd said.
Fitzgibbon was a relatively junior member of the special operations command, he added.
The Defence role was his son’s dream job, Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“We take some comfort from the fact that he died serving his nation in a uniform of the ADF,” he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended condolences to Cpl Fitzgibbon’s family and those who served with him.
“The extraordinary men and women who volunteer to serve in the Australian Defence Force do our nation proud every day,” he said in a statement.
“This tragic accident is a harsh reminder that there are no easy days for those who defend our nation.”
Defence Minister Richard Marles said Fitzgibbon served with honour and great ability.
“His death is a tragedy. His life has been taken far too early,” he said.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton said Fitzgibbon’s death will be felt across the entire Defence force.
“In this moment of devastation and heartbreak for the Fitzgibbon family and Jack’s fellow soldiers and friends, we acknowledge a young man of commendable character who epitomised the very best of our country,” read a joint statement with Coalition defence spokesperson Andrew Hastie and assistant Phillip Thompson.
Source Agencies
