The son of Joel Fitzgibbon, and brother of television reporter Grace, dies tragically in a skydiving accident where he suffered critical head and neck injuries.

The son of a former politician has died after a parachuting accident during a military exercise.

Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was conducting a drill at a RAAF base in Richmond, northwest of Sydney, about 6.30pm on Wednesday night when his parachute reportedly failed to open.

He suffered critical head injuries and was rushed to Westmead Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon is the only child of former Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon, who was the Member for Hunter from 1996 to 2022 and Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2009.

Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was conducting a drill at a RAAF base in Richmond, northwest of Sydney, when it emerged his parachute failed to open.

Fitzgibbon senior made 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.”

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.

Fitzgibbon (pictured 2022) was a member for the Hunter region from 1996 to 2022 and former Defense Minister from 2007 to 2009.

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.”

‘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.’