Jack Fitzgibbon’s sister has taken to Instagram to share an emotional tribute to her brother, describing him as her “guardian angel” who “always” had her back.
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon, the 33-year-old son of former federal MP Joel Fitzgibbon, was injured during a parachute training exercise at the RAAF Richmond base on Wednesday evening.
The Australian Defence Force confirmed on Thursday afternoon he had died.
In a statement, the former Hunter MP and cabinet minister said the family were “devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our wonderful Jack”.
“We take some comfort from the fact that he died serving his nation in a uniform of the ADF,” the former minister 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.”
His sister Grace, a Channel 7 reporter, took to Instagram stories on Friday to pay tribute to her brother – sharing photos from their childhood and adulthood, as well as a screenshot of the last message he sent her.
“I love you my darling big brother, I am so proud of you,” she wrote.
“Forever our guardian angel.”
She shared a screenshot of their last text conversation in which he wrote: “There is a spare bed at mine if you need it, sister. I can help you move out on Wednesday if you need a hand.”
Below, she wrote: “He always had my back.”
Accompanying a photo of the pair as children, she wrote “from day one”.
The Prime Minister led the tributes on Thursday, saying his thoughts were with the Fitzgibbon family.
“Today the burden of grief falls on a dear friend to so many in the Labor family,” Anthony Albanese said.
“This tragic accident is a harsh reminder that there are no easy days for those who defend our nation.
“We are so grateful to every Australian who serves and puts themselves on the line for all of us.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, his defence spokesman Andrew Hastie and assistant spokesman Phil Thompson, said Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon had “loved his country and felt a calling to serve it”.
“In this moment of devastation and heartbreak for the Fitzgibbon family, and Jack’s fellow soldiers and friends, we acknowledge a young man of commendable character who epitomised the very best of our country,” the trio said in a statement.