Jack Fitzgibbon fighting for life in hospital after army parachuting accident
The Australian Defense Force soldier injured in a horror skydiving accident has been identified as the son of former Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was conducting an exercise at an RAAF base in Richmond, northwest Sydney, when it became apparent his parachute was not deploying.
He suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to Westmead Hospital where he continues to fight for his life in intensive care.
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon is the only son of the former Labor MP, who served as Member of Hunter from 1996 to 2022 and is a former Defense Secretary.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon (pictured with his father, former Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon) suffered serious head injuries after it became apparent his parachute failed to open during an exercise
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon is the only son of the former Labor MP, who was the Member for Hunter from 1996 to 2022 and a former Defense Secretary from 2007 to 2009.
Mr Fitzgibbon attended a conference with AmCham, Australia’s largest international chamber of commerce, on Wednesday evening.
In a brief statement, the ADF confirmed that a soldier was injured during a “routine training activity” and first aid was provided at the scene.
“The defense can confirm that a soldier was injured in a parachuting incident during a routine training activity at RAAF Base Richmond,” the statement said.
Fitzgibbon was Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2009 and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for just two months in 2013.
More to come.