Son of Joel Fitzgibbon – and sibling of TV reporter Grace – tragically dies in parachuting accident where he suffered critical head and neck injuries
- Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon died during a training exercise
- Defense Australia says it is ‘taking every step to mitigate risk’
The son of a former politician has died after parachuting during a military exercise.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was conducting an exercise at an RAAF base in Richmond, northwest Sydney, about 6.30pm on Wednesday evening when his parachute reportedly failed to open.
He suffered serious 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 was the Member for Hunter from 1996 to 2022 and Defense Secretary from 2007 to 2009.
His sister Grace is a television journalist at Channel 7.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was conducting an exercise at an RAAF base in Richmond, northwest Sydney, about 6.30pm on Wednesday evening when his parachute reportedly failed to open.
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.
Mr Fitzgibbon senior made a statement to Brigadier James Kidd after 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.”
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.
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.
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.”
“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.’