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 James Kidd said on March 7.
He was 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 Brigadier Kidd.
The incident occurred on March 6 night during what defence described as a routine training activity at the RAAF Base in Richmond, about 50km northwest of Sydney.
Mr. Fitzgibbon was taken to hospital in a serious condition but later died.
Fellow members of the 2nd Commando Regiment were still processing the news at Holsworthy Barracks, Brig Kidd said.
“Jack was loved for his courage and known for his sense of humour and his service to the country,” Brig Kidd said.
All parachute training has been paused and defence has launched an investigation.
“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,” Brig Kidd said.
Mr. Fitzgibbon was a relatively junior member of the special operations command, the commander said.
Mr. Fitzgibbon said the defence role was his son’s dream job.
“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 Mr. 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 Mr. Fitzgibbon served with honour and great ability.
“His death is a tragedy,” he said.
“His life has been taken far too early.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Mr. Fitzgibbon’s death would 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,” Mr. Dutton said in a joint statement with coalition defence spokesperson Andrew Hastie and assistant Phillip Thompson.
