Soldier Jack Fitzgibbon dies after parachute incident during training 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, who was 33, was injured on Wednesday night at the RAAF airbase at Richmond, about 50km north-west of Sydney’s CBD. He received first aid at the scene and was taken to Westmead hospital in a serious condition but later died from his injuries.

Brig 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 provided by Defence, 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.”

“Jack was a dedicated, highly skilled and courageous soldier. He was an experienced parachutist,” the former MP said.

“Our lives will never be the same without Jack but we will always remain proud of him and his many achievements.”

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said on Thursday “the burden of grief falls on a dear friend to so many in the Labor family”.

Kidd said all army parachute training had been suspended while the incident was investigated.

He declined to give specific details of the incident and said it was “too early to speculate” on the possible cause. He described the training exercise as “routine”, adding that no other personnel were injured.

“We have paused all parachute training. We have also paused that particular exercise that was being conducted. That allows us to reconstitute the safety staff and medical teams. It also allows us to conduct that first analysis so that we can learn and make any adaptations that we may require,” Kidd said.

“The Defence investigation will likely take some time.”

Hercules cargo planes taxi across the tarmac at the Richmond RAAF base. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP

The defence minister, Richard Marles, described Joel Fitzgibbon as a close friend and said the incident was a “tragedy”.

Jack Fitzgibbon’s life had “been taken far too early”, Marles said.

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“Every one of lance corporal Fitzgibbon’s friends and colleagues in the Australian Defence Force will be feeling the heaviness of this news,” he said in a statement.

“Jack loved serving in the special forces and he did so with honour and great ability.”

Albanese said: “Every death in the service of Australia carries the heavy weight of loss and sadness. The tragedy of a life cut cruelly short.”

“This tragic accident is a harsh reminder that there are no easy days for those who defend our nation,” the prime minister said. “We are so grateful to every Australian who serves and puts themselves on the line for all of us.”

Kidd said Jack Fitzgibbon received first aid at the scene before being attended to by paramedics. He said members of his unit, 2 Commando, had ceased training and were gathering at Holsworthy barracks “to process this news”.

Kidd said mental health and chaplaincy support had been offered to Jack Fitzgibbon’s colleagues and family.

“Army is a giant team, we comprise many team members and many families, and the Fitzgibbon family is absolutely part of that community.”

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.