An Australian soldier who died during a parachute training incident in New South Wales has been identified as Special Air Service Regiment Warrant Officer 2nd Class Lachlan Muddle, aged 50. The tragic accident occurred on Monday evening when Muddle collided midair with another paratrooper at Jervis Bay Airfield.
According to reports, the two paratroopers collided several hundred metres above the ground shortly after opening their parachutes. Both fell from a significant height, with one surviving the fall and sustaining only minor injuries. However, Muddle suffered critical injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating: “The death of one of our soldiers is a tragedy and deeply felt by the Army family and across the broader Defence community. 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.”
Experienced Paratrooper
Muddle joined the Australian Army in 1994 and later transferred to the Special Operations Command in 2007. The ADF noted that both soldiers involved in the incident were extremely experienced paratroopers, with several thousand jumps completed between them.
In response to the accident, the ADF has temporarily paused all parachuting training activities. “Defence is committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel during all training activities,” the ADF said.
This incident marks the second fatal parachute accident in Australian military training in recent years. In 2024, Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, 33, died during a routine parachute training exercise at RAAF Base Richmond, about 50 kilometres northwest of Sydney. Fitzgibbon was the son of former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon and brother to 7NEWS reporter Grace Fitzgibbon.
The ADF has not provided further details on the ongoing investigation into the collision, but has emphasised its commitment to supporting the families and personnel affected by this tragedy.
