- Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon died during training drill
- Defence Australia says it ‘takes every step to mitigate risk’
The son of former Labor Cabinet minister Joel Fitzgibbon has died after a parachuting accident during a military exercise.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was performing a drill at an RAAF base in Richmond in Sydney’s northwest, about 6.30pm on Wednesday night when his parachute reportedly failed to open.
He suffered critical head injuries and was rushed to Westmead Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon is the only son of former Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon, who served as the member for Hunter from 1996 to 2022 and minister for defence from 2007 to 2009.
His sister Grace is a television journalist at Channel 7.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was performing a drill at an RAAF base in Richmond, in Sydney ‘s northwest, about 6.30pm on Wednesday night when his parachute reportedly failed to open
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was performing a drill at an RAAF base in Richmond, in Sydney’s northwest, when it is understood his parachute failed to open
Mr Fitzgibbon senior provided a statement to brigadier James Kidd following the tragedy.
Reading of Jack’s father’s words, Mr Kidd 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.
‘Our lives will never be the same without Jack, but we will always remain proud of him and his many achievements.’
The former member for Hunter is pictured with his daughter Grace
Defence Australia confirmed his tragic death on Thursday afternoon, stating ‘[our] main priority is to support Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon’s family and our thoughts are with them and his friends as they grieve their loss.
‘Defence takes every step to mitigate unnecessary risk, but unfortunately today we mourn the loss of a soldier and colleague.’
Witnesses said Jack’s parachute looked like it failed to open as he attempted to land above Richmond’s Sydney Polo Club.
He was a qualified parachutist. Training at the site has been suspended as investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Mr Fitzgibbon (pictured in 2022) served as the member for the Hunter region from 1996 to 2022 and a former minister for defence from 2007 to 2009
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to both Jack and his family on Thursday, adding ‘the burden of grief falls on a dear friend to so many in the Labor family’.
‘The extraordinary men and women who volunteer to serve in the Australian Defence Force do our nation proud every day. Every death in the service of Australia carries the heavy weight of loss and sadness. The tragedy of a life cut cruelly short,’ he said.
‘This tragic accident is a harsh reminder that there are no easy days for those who defend our nation. We are so grateful to every Australian who serves and puts themselves on the line for all of us.’
Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles described Mr Fitzgibbon as a ‘close friend’.
‘Today, Joel stands in my embrace, as he does in the embrace of all of our colleagues. My thoughts are with Jack’s entire family, including Joel, Jack’s mother Dianne, his partner and his sisters.’
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