Son of ex-MP Joel Fitzgibbon dies in defence parachuting accident

The son of former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon has died after a parachuting accident at RAAF Base Richmond.

Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was conducting a routine training drill when his parachute failed to properly deploy on Wednesday night.

Fitzgibbon, who served in the 2nd Commando Regiment, was taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition.

Acting special operations commander brigadier James Kidd said the death was a tragedy and Defence has paused all parachuting operations.

“It’s with a very heavy heart that I must inform you an Australian army soldier has recently died as a result of injuries sustained at a parachuting incident last night,” he said.

“I’m in a position to inform you that his name was Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon.”

Fitzgibbon is the only son of the former Labor MP who served as defence minister in the Rudd government from 2007 to 2009, before retiring from politics in 2022.

Kidd read a statement from the Fitzgibbon family. “We are devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our wonderful Jack,” the statement said.

“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.”

Kidd said the 2nd commando regiment, which is part of the army’s special operations command, had paused their training and gathered at Holsworthy to process the news of Fitzgibbon’s death.

He said Fitzgibbon had served overseas and in Australia, including in response to natural disasters.

Defence has launched a formal investigation into the incident.

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