Statement - Death of Australian Soldier

It is with great sadness Defence can confirm 2nd Commando Regiment soldier Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon has died following injuries he sustained during a parachuting incident on the 6th of March 2024. 

At this time Defence’s main priority is to support Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon’s family and our thoughts are with them and his friends as they grieve their loss.

Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon’s father Joel Fitzgibbon provided the following statement on behalf of the Fitzgibbon family:

“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 some comfort from the fact that he died serving his nation in a uniform of the ADF,” he said.

“Jack was a dedicated, highly skilled, and courageous soldier. He was an experienced parachutist. 

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

Defence takes every step to mitigate unnecessary risk, but unfortunately today we mourn the loss of a soldier and colleague. 

An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway and Defence will not provide further comment on the incident while the investigation is occurring. 

The Australian Army has temporarily paused all parachute training. 

Media note

Imagery of Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon and a 2nd Commando Regiment training activity is available at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20240522