Fitzgibbon family pays tribute to Warrant Officer Lachlan Muddle

newy.com.au – The Fitzgibbon family has paid tribute to Warrant Officer Lachlan Muddle after the overnight death of the special forces soldier, saying it is also thinking of his injured mate and others involved in the training exercise.

Former Federal Member for Hunter and former Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon issued the statement on behalf of the family of Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, whose own fatal jump remains the subject of an IGADF investigation.

“The Fitzgibbon family joins all Australians in expressing our sorrow at the loss of another special forces soldier overnight,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. “We are also thinking of his injured mate, and all those involved in the training exercise.”

Mr Fitzgibbon described WO Muddle as “an Australian hero”, saying he had served on operations and continued to train younger soldiers prepared to make the same sacrifices.

“Training to do battle is an inherently dangerous thing, especially for our free-fall paratroopers,” he said. “The Fitzgibbon family knows that reality only too well. Sadly now, so too does Lachlan Muddle’s family and friends.”

Mr Fitzgibbon said his family was still waiting for the outcome of the IGADF investigation into Jack’s fatal jump, but said no finding could change their loss.

“Whatever the outcome, it won’t bring Jack back,” he said. “However, we continue to draw comfort in the fact that Jack died training to put his life on the line for his country.

“We hope those closest to Lachlan Muddle will also draw comfort from his heroic service to his nation and the sacrifices he made in our nation’s name.

“Lest we Forget.”