UPDATE

It is with great sadness Defence can confirm the death of Special Air Service Regiment soldier Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle during a parachute training accident on the evening of 11 May 2026. The death of one of our soldiers is a tragedy and deeply felt by the Army family and across the broader Defence community. 

One Australian Army soldier received minor injuries in the accident and did not require hospitalisation.

Our highest priority is to support Warrant Officer Class Two Muddle’s family and all members involved in this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with them, their friends and the Regiment as they grieve his loss. We request that the privacy of Defence members and families is respected during this difficult time.

Defence is committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel during all training activities. The Australian Defence Force has temporarily paused all parachuting training. 

MEDIA NOTE:

Media can access imagery at https://images.defence.gov.au/s20261336.

STATEMENT

Defence can confirm an Australian Army soldier has died during a parachuting training course at the Jervis Bay Airfield on the evening of 11 May 2026. 

One other Australian Army soldier was injured, and did not require hospitalisation. 

We request that the privacy of Defence members and families is respected at this time.

Defence will provide further updates when possible. 

SUPPORT

Support is always available to our people:

Defence Member and Family Support - 1800 624 608 (24/7)

Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) - 1800 628 036 (24/7)

Reserve Assistance Program (RAP) - 1300 687 327

1800 IMSICK - 1800 467 425 (24/7)

Employee Assistance Program - 1300 687 327 (For APS, ASD, ASA, Reservists and Cadets)

Defence Chaplaincy Support - 1300 333 362(24/7)