Tributes flow for fallen soldier Jack Fitzgibbon
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, the son of former Labor defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon, died in a parachuting accident during a routine military training session.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon — the son of former Labor defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon — died in a parachuting accident during a routine military training session with tributes being led by Anthony Albanese.
The Australian Defence Force has paused parachute training and launched an investigation into the incident after the 33-year-old suffered fatal injuries during a drill at the NSW air force base in Richmond.
The fallen special operations commander was taken to Westmead Hospital in an ambulance after the accident on Wednesday evening and his death was confirmed by the Australian Defence Force on Thursday.
The ADF is withholding details of the accident until it completes its investigation. There were no injuries to other personnel.
Joel Fitzgibbon — the former Hunter MP who retired from parliament at the last election — said the family was “devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our wonderful Jack”.
Mr Fitzgibbon said his son died in his dream job, serving in the Army’s elite special forces.
“We take some comfort from the fact that he died serving his nation in a uniform of the ADF,” the former cabinet minister said in a statement.
“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.”
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon had served in operations overseas and locally as part of natural disaster responses.
The Prime Minister said the thoughts of Labor MPs were with Joel Fitzgibbon, his wife Dianne Fitzgibbon and their two daughters.
“Today the burden of grief falls on a dear friend to so many in the Labor family,” Mr Albanese 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.”
Acting Special Operations Commander Brigadier James Kidd said Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon was “loved for his courage and known for his sense of humour and his service to the country”.
Brigadier Kidd described the parachuting as a “routine exercise” conducted on the Royal Australian Airforce base.
“We train parachuting exercises and operations with regularity,” he said.
“Defence has initiated a formal investigation into this incident as we seek to learn how we can strengthen our processes.
“But we acknowledge military training is inherently risky and we remain committed to constantly training at the highest standards to achieve the level of excellence we know our nation demands of us.”
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the death of Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon was a “tragedy”.
— Richard Marles (@RichardMarlesMP) March 7, 2024
“His life has been taken far too early,” Mr Marles said.
“Every one of Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon’s friends and colleagues in the Australian Defence Force will be feeling the heaviness of this news today.
“Jack loved serving in the Special Forces and he did so with honour and great ability.”
Mr Marles said Joel Fitzgibbon was a “close friend of mine”.
“All of Joel’s friends are feeling this tragedy particularly,” Mr Marles said.
Peter Dutton said Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon “loved his country and felt a calling to serve it”.
“But he chose a different path to his father – the Army instead of the parliament,” the Opposition Leader said in a joint statement with opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie and assistant defence spokesman Phillip Thompson.
“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.”
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