ADF soldier Jack Fitzgibbon, the son of former Labor defense minister Joel Fitzgibbon, has passed away following a parachute incident during routine training in Sydney.
The 33-year-old lance corporal sustained injuries on Wednesday night at the RAAF airbase in Richmond, approximately 50km northwest of Sydney’s CBD.
Despite receiving initial first aid at the scene, he was transported to Westmead Hospital in a serious condition and later succumbed to his injuries.
Brigadier James Kidd expressed on Thursday afternoon that Jack Fitzgibbon was admired for his bravery, sense of humor, “and his dedication to the country”.
Joel Fitzgibbon, in a statement provided by Defence, said:
“We are devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our wonderful Jack. Serving in the special forces was Jack’s dream job and we take comfort from the fact he died serving his nation.”
“Jack was a dedicated, highly skilled, and courageous soldier. He was an experienced parachutist,” the former MP said.
“Our lives will never be the same without Jack but we will always remain proud of him and his many achievements.”
On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed,
“The burden of grief falls on a dear friend to so many in the Labor family.”
Kidd stated that all army parachute training had been halted pending investigation. He refrained from providing specific incident details, deeming it “too early to speculate” on the possible cause. Describing the training exercise as “routine,” he confirmed no other personnel were harmed.
“We have paused all parachute training. We have also paused that particular exercise that was being conducted. That allows us to reconstitute the safety staff and medical teams.
It also allows us to conduct that first analysis so that we can learn and make any adaptations that we may require,” Kidd said.
“The Defence investigation will likely take some time.”
Defense Minister Richard Marles, referring to Joel Fitzgibbon as a close friend, labeled the incident a “tragedy.” He expressed that Jack Fitzgibbon’s life had been “taken far too early.”
“Every one of Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon’s friends and colleagues in the Australian Defence Force will be feeling the heaviness of this news,” he said in a statement.
“Jack loved serving in the special forces and he did so with honor and great ability.”
Albanese said:
“Every death in the service of Australia carries the heavy weight of loss and sadness. The tragedy of a life cut cruelly short.”
“This tragic accident is a harsh reminder that there are no easy days for those who defend our nation,” the prime minister said. “We are so grateful to every Australian who serves and puts themselves on the line for all of us.”
Kidd said Jack Fitzgibbon received first aid at the scene before being attended to by paramedics. He said members of his unit, 2 Commando, had ceased training and were gathering at Holsworthy barracks “to process this news”.
Kidd mentioned that mental health and chaplaincy support had been extended to Jack Fitzgibbon’s colleagues and family.
“Army is a giant team, we comprise many team members and many families, and the Fitzgibbon family is absolutely part of that community.”
According to eyewitnesses, a soldier’s parachute seemed to fail to open during a landing attempt above Richmond’s Sydney Polo Club, as reported by local news outlet the Hawkesbury Post.
