The son of former Defense Secretary Joel Fitzgibbon ‘died a soldier’ desperately trying to cut the suspension lines of his parachute as he plummeted to the ground in a horror accident that has sent shockwaves through the ranks of the special forces.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, 33, was carrying out a routine training exercise at an RAAF base at Richmond in Sydney.In the northwest, around 6:30 PM on Wednesday evening, when his parachute failed to fully open during the 4,000-meter jump.
Daily Mail Australia understands the knife he used to free himself to deploy his reserve parachute was found at the ends of his fingertips after he hit the ground.
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to Westmead Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
His devastated sister Grace Fitzgibbon, a journalist for Chanel Seven, shared a heartfelt tribute on Thursday.
“I love you my sweet big brother, I’m so proud of you,” she posted on Instagram.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon sadly died in a parachute accident
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon is the only son of former Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon and his sister Grace is a television journalist at Channel 7
It came after Mr Fitzgibbon senior, a former Labor MP who served as Member for Hunter from 1996 to 2022 and was Defense Secretary from 2007 to 2009, made a statement to Brigadier James Kidd following the tragedy.
Reading the words of Jack’s father, 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 in the fact that he died serving his country.
‘Jack was a dedicated, highly skilled and courageous soldier. He was an experienced paratrooper.
“Our lives will never be the same without Jack, but we will always be proud of him and his many achievements.”
Grace Fitzgibbon, journalist for Chanel Seven, shared a heartfelt tribute
Daily Mail Australia understands Mr Fitzgibbon pulled out the knife and tried to cut the tangled parachute so he could deploy his emergency reserve
The former Hunter member is pictured with his daughter Grace
Defense Australia confirmed his tragic death on Thursday afternoon, stating: ‘(Our) main priority is to support the family of Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon and our thoughts are with them and his friends as they grieve their loss.
‘Defense does everything it can to limit unnecessary risks, but unfortunately today we mourn the loss of a soldier and colleague.’
Witnesses said Jack’s parachute looked like it was not opening when he tried to land over the Sydney Polo Club in Richmond.
He was a certified paratrooper. Training at the site has been suspended as the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to both Jack and his family on Thursday, adding that “the burden of grief rests on a dear friend for so many in the Labor family.”
Mr Fitzgibbon (pictured in 2022) was Member of the Hunter Region from 1996 to 2022 and a former Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2009.
The 33-year-old was a qualified parachutist and rain at the site was suspended as investigations into the incident are ongoing
“The extraordinary men and women who volunteer for the Australian Defense Force make our nation proud every day. Every death in Australia’s service carries the heavy weight of loss and grief. The tragedy of a life cruelly cut short,” he said.
“This tragic accident is a stark 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.”
Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles described Fitzgibbon as a “good friend.”
“Today Joel stands in my embrace, as he does in the embrace of all our colleagues. My thoughts are with Jack’s entire family, including Joel, Jack’s mother Dianne, his partner and his sisters.’
Mr Fitzgibbon’s father said serving in the special forces was his “dream job”.
The Lance Corporal was described as a dedicated, highly skilled and courageous soldier