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The Australian Defence Force has resumed training with parachutes after the death of Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon in an accident earlier this year.
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Training with all parachutes, except the Military Javelin Parachute System – the parachute type used during the March training incident – will resume from 7 May according to Defence.
“Following the tragic accident which resulted in the death of Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon on 7 March 2024, all parachute training was paused. His loss is deeply felt across the 2nd Commando Regiment, Special Operations Command, Army and the wider Australian Defence Force community,” said Commander Special Forces Group Brigadier Marcus Fogarty.
“The Australian Defence Force uses several types of parachutes to deploy personnel and equipment. Training has resumed on all types with the exception of the Military Javelin Parachute System, the parachute type used during the March training incident, which remains paused.
“Independent authorities, including the NSW coroner and the inspector-general of the Australian Defence Force, are conducting investigations into the March training incident. We must let the investigations run their course and present their findings. Defence is cooperating fully with these investigations.
“All military training involves inherent risk, however, we do everything we can to mitigate this risk and keep our people safe, while delivering the required capability.
“We are returning to training to make sure we can respond to any need, at any time, and to maintain our world-class special forces.”
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon, an Australian Army signaller from 2nd Commando Regiment, was farewelled at a private funeral in Cessnock, NSW on 18 March. The ceremony was attended by his family, Defence personnel and politicians including Anthony Albanese, Peter Dutton, and Richard Marles.
The 33-year-old son of former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon had sustained injuries after his parachute failed to open near RAAF Base Richmond near Sydney on 6 March. First aid was reportedly administered at the scene before Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon was transferred to West Mead Hospital.
Defence continues to examine the incident under a formal investigation.
Current ADF members and their families can contact the Defence All-hours Support Line on 1800 628 036. Families of serving personnel can also contact the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
All current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families can also access Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling. Open Arms is a national mental health service that provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling. Visit openarms.gov.au or phone 1800 011 046.
