An Australian Defence Force soldier has died following a collision during a parachuting training course on NSW’s South Coast about 5.40pm on Monday.
The ADF confirmed that Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle from the Special Air Service Regiment has passed away following the accident.
Special Operations Commander Major General Garth Gould said Muddle was partaking in a “specialist parachute training activity” held in their parachute school before he collided with another soldier mid-air.
“After successfully opening their parachutes, what we know of the incidents suggests that both paratroopers collided several hundred feet above the ground whilst they were manoeuvring towards the drop zone,” Gould said.
“After the collision, both soldiers fell from height.”
Gould added that the sergeant who collided with Muddle survived the fall with minor injuries and was the first person to provide first aid to Muddle following the accident.
“Both paratroopers were highly skilled, between the two of them, they had several thousand jumps to their credit.
“[Muddle] joined the army in 1994, he joined Special Operations Command in 2007 and served the majority of his time in Special Operations Command in the Special Air Service Regiment.”
“He was operationally experienced, he was a highly qualified Special Forces sniper and military free-fall parachutist.”
Muddle was “highly-regarded” within the Defence Force community, and has since been remembered for his commitment to the serving the country.
“He will be remembered for his sense of humour and his genuine and deep commitment to serving the nation, serving in the army and serving in the Special Air Regiment,” Gould said.
All personnel parachuting operations has since been paused, with an investigation ongoing.
“Our priority at the moment is supporting Warrant Officer Muddle’s family, and also providing support to the ADF members involved in the incident last night,” Gould said.
He added that the senior soldiers were four weeks into a six-week “advanced military free-fall training”.
“We request that the privacy of Defence members and families is respected at this time,” the Australian Defence Force said in a statement.
There have been two other training incidences over the last two years, with Gould confirming that changes have since been made.
Image: Courtesy of the Australian Government
