Soldier Jack Fitzgibbon dies after parachute incident during training activity at RAAF base in Richmond

ADF soldier Jack Fitzgibbon, the son of former Labor defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon, has died after a parachute incident during a routine training activity in Sydney.

The lance corporal was injured on Wednesday night at the RAAF air base at Richmond about 50km north-west of Sydney’s CBD. He was taken to hospital in a serious condition and later died.

Brigadier James Kidd said on Thursday afternoon that Jack Fitzgibbon was loved for his courage, sense of humour “and his service to the country”.

Joel Fitzgibbon, in a statement read by 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 from the fact he died serving his nation.”

Kidd said Jack Fitzgibbon was a qualified parachutist. He said all parachute training had been suspended while the incident was investigated.

Jack Fitzgibbon received first aid at the scene before he was taken to Westmead hospital by NSW Ambulance. The incident occurred at about 6.30pm on Wednesday.

Eyewitnesses said a soldier’s parachute appeared to fail to open, as they and another soldier attempted a landing above Richmond’s Sydney Polo Club, according to local news outlet The Hawkesbury Post.