‘We’re devastated and heartbroken’: Former MP Joel Fitzgibbon’s son Jack dies after ADF parachuting accident

Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon — the son of former Federal MP Joel Fitzgibbon — sustained fatal injuries performing an Army training drill when his parachutes failed to properly deploy.

Former Federal MP Joel Fitzgibbon, left, with son Jack.

The son of former Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon has died after a shocking parachute mishap at Richmond RAAF base last night.

Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was performing a training drill at the Army base in Sydney’s west about 6.30pm when it is understood both his main and reserve parachutes failed to properly deploy.

Lance Corp Fitzgibbon suffered critical head and internal injuries and was rushed to Westmead Hospital, where he was on life support overnight until he passed away early on Thursday.

In a statement, Mr Fitzgibbon and his family said they were “devastated and heartbroken” at the death of their son, but took “some comfort from the fact that he died serving his nation”.

“We’re devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our wonderful Jack,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon has died after a parachuting mishap during ADF training at Richmond RAAF base on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

ADF medical staff provided first aid at the scene in Sydney’s west, before NSW Ambulance paramedics took LCpl Fitzgibbon to Westmead Hospital where he later died. Picture: TNV

“Serving in the Special Forces was Jack’s dream job. We take some comfort from the fact that he died serving his nation in the uniform of the Australian Defence Force.

“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.”

It is with great sadness Defence can confirm 2nd Commando Regiment soldier Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon has died following injuries he sustained during a parachuting incident on the 6th of March 2024. <1/2> pic.twitter.com/tQ7zlFC9eH

— Defence Australia (@DefenceAust) March 7, 2024

At a press conference on Thursday, ADF Acting Special Operations Commander James Kidd said training at the Richmond RAAF base had been suspended as soldiers came to terms with the tragic death of LCpl Fitzgibbon, who he said was “loved” by those who served alongside him.

“Jack was loved for his courage and known for his sense of humour, and his service to the country,” Act Sp Ops Comm Kidd said.

“Jack had served his country on operations abroad and also closer to home, serving with country and local communities as part of natural disaster responses.”

ADF medical staff who were in attendance for the training session performed first aid on LCpl Fitzgibbon, before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived at the scene.

Former Federal Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon (left) said in a statement he, his wife and two daughters were “devastated and heartbroken”. Picture: Facebook

An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway and all parachute training has been suspended across the Australian Army for the time being.

“It was part of a routine military training exercise that was conducted around the Royal Australian Air Force base there in Richmond,” Act Sp Ops Comm Kidd said.

“We train parachuting exercises and operations with regularity. I am a Special Forces qualified parachutist, I know first-hand how difficult that particular military skill is and we demand paratroopers to reach the highest standard.

“The Defence investigation will likely take some time, we will review the points at which we recommence parachuting training.”

Joel Fitzgibbon and son Jack. Picture: Facebook

Joel Fitzgibbon was the Federal Labor member for Hunter between 1996, and 2022, during which time he served as Minister for Defence.

LCpl Fitzgibbon was the only son for Joel and wife Dianne, with two other daughters Caitlin and Grace – a journalist with Seven News in Sydney, whose colleagues were said to be shattered by the news.

“In your like you wouldn’t meet a more bubbly, irrepressibly sunny, genuine person than Grace,” a colleague at Seven said.

“We all love her and we’re gutted for her and her family.”