The son of former Defense Minister Joel Fitzgibbon “died like a soldier” desperately trying to cut the suspension lines of his parachute as he plummeted towards the ground in a horrific accident that shocked the ranks of the special forces.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, 33, was carrying out a routine drill at a RAAF base at Richmond in Sydney’s northwest, around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night, when his parachute did not fully open during the 14,000-foot jump.
Daily Mail Australia understands the knife he used to try to free himself and deploy his reserve parachute was found at his fingertips after hitting the ground.
Corporal Fitzgibbon suffered critical head injuries and was rushed to Westmead Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
His devastated sister Grace Fitzgibbon, a journalist for Chanel Seven, shared a heartfelt tribute on Thursday.
“I love you my dear big brother, I am so proud of you,” she posted on Instagram.
Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon sadly died in a parachute accident
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon is the only child of former Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon and his sister Grace is a television journalist on Channel 7.
It came after Fitzgibbon senior, a former Labor MP who was the member for Hunter from 1996 to 2022 and defense minister from 2007 to 2009, provided a statement to Brigadier James Kidd following the tragedy.
Reading the words of Jack’s father, 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 nation.
‘Jack was a dedicated soldier, very skilled and brave. 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.”
Chanel Seven journalist Grace Fitzgibbon shared a heartfelt tribute
Daily Mail Australia understands Fitzgibbon had pulled out the knife and was trying to cut through the tangled parachute so he could deploy his emergency reserve.
The former Hunter member is pictured with his daughter Grace.
Defense Australia confirmed his tragic death on Thursday afternoon, stating that “(our) top priority is to support Corporal Fitzgibbon’s family and our thoughts are with them and their friends as they mourn their loss.”
“The defense takes all necessary measures to mitigate unnecessary risks, but sadly today we mourn the loss of a soldier and colleague.”
Witnesses said it appeared Jack’s parachute failed to open when he attempted to land on Richmond’s Sydney Polo Club.
He was a qualified parachutist. Training at the site has been suspended while investigations into the incident are carried out.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to both Jack and his family on Thursday, adding: “The burden of grief falls on a dear friend to so many members of the Labor family.”
Fitzgibbon (pictured 2022) was a member for the Hunter region from 1996 to 2022 and former Defense Minister from 2007 to 2009.
The 33-year-old man was a qualified skydiver and the scene has been suspended while the incident is investigated.
‘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 a great weight of loss and sadness. “The tragedy of a life cruelly cut short,” he stated.
‘This tragic accident is a harsh reminder that there are no easy days for those who defend our nation. “We are so grateful to all the Australians who serve and put themselves at risk for us all.”
Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles described Fitzgibbon as a “close friend”.
“Today, Joel is in my embrace, as well as in that of all our colleagues. My thoughts are with all of Jack’s family, including Joel, Jack’s mother, Dianne, his partner and his sisters.’
Fitzgibbon’s father said serving in the special forces was his ‘dream job’
The first corporal was described as a dedicated, highly skilled and brave soldier.
