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This is the powerful moment former Labor minister Joel Fitzgibbon and his family united in a moving tribute to his only son, Special Forces soldier Jack Fitzgibbon, who died in a tragic parachute accident.
The 33-year-old lance corporal died during a routine exercise at RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney’s north-west, about 6.30pm on Wednesday night. His parachute failed to fully open during the 14,000-foot jump.
Sir. Fitzgibbon’s sister, Channel Seven TV reporter Grace, shared a heartbreaking photo of her and the family standing together in silence and honoring Jack during a special tribute at a local football club on Saturday.
The family huddled together in a close embrace during Cessnock Goannas and Wests Devils’ tribute, with a heartbroken Grace seen staring up at the sky.
The Fitzgibbon family stood together in silent tribute for Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon during a tribute at local Cessnock Football Club on Saturday
Grace also shared a text message sent from her brother as proof that he had always known the ‘right’ thing to say.
“One of those things sister we all have to sacrifice in life or it would all be too easy. X,” Jack said in the message.
Defense Australia confirmed the young gravedigger’s tragic death on Thursday afternoon, saying “(our) main priority is to support Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon’s family and our thoughts are with them and his friends as they mourn their loss.
‘The armed forces take every step to reduce unnecessary risks, but unfortunately today we mourn the loss of a soldier and colleague.’
Witnesses said Jack’s parachute appeared to fail to open as he attempted to land over Richmond’s Sydney Polo Club.
He was a trained parachutist. Training at the site has been suspended as investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was conducting an exercise at an RAAF base in Richmond, in Sydney’s north-west, about 10am. 18.30 on Wednesday evening, when his parachute allegedly could not be opened.
His sister Grace said “he always said the right things” – and shared a poignant text he sent her
Channel Seven journalist Grace Fitzgibbon shared a heartfelt tribute to Jack
Fitzgibbon senior made a statement to Brigadier General James Kidd after the tragedy.
When he read Jack’s father’s words, Mr. Kidd: ‘We are devastated and devastated by the loss of our wonderful Jack.
‘Serving in the Special Forces was Jack’s dream job and we take solace in the fact that he died serving his nation.
‘Jack was a dedicated, highly skilled and brave soldier. He was an experienced skydiver.
“Our lives will never be the same without Jack, but we will always be proud of him and his many achievements.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to both Jack and his family on Thursday, adding that “the burden of grief falls on a dear friend to so many in the Labor family”.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon conducted an exercise at an RAAF base in Richmond in north-west Sydney. Above with his father
‘The extraordinary men and women who volunteer to serve in 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 lifetime cut cruelly 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 us all.’
Defense Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles described Mr Fitzgibbon as a ‘close friend’.
‘Today Joel stands in my embrace, as he does in the embrace of all our colleagues. My thoughts go out to all of Jack’s family, including Joel, Jack’s mother Dianne, his partner and his sisters.’