Grace Fitzgibbon Shares Emotional Anzac Day Tribute to Late Brother

In a deeply moving Anzac Day tribute, Channel Seven journalist Grace Fitzgibbon and her family have remembered her late brother, Special Forces soldier Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, who tragically passed away in a military training incident last year.

Jack, aged 33, lost his life in March 2023 while performing a routine parachuting drill at Richmond’s RAAF base in northwest Sydney. Reports suggest his parachute failed to deploy, resulting in critical head injuries. He was transported to Westmead Hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries.

On Anzac Day, Grace took to social media, posting heartfelt words and photos in honour of her brother. “Sunset tribute for my brave brother,” she wrote, sharing moments from Sydney’s Harbour Sunset Tribute ceremony. She later posted images at North Bondi RSL Club with her father, Joel Fitzgibbon — a former Labor minister — and her partner Az, who was one of Jack’s pallbearers.

Joel Fitzgibbon also posted on LinkedIn, commemorating his son’s legacy with the words: “Forever 33. Lest we forget. Today, tomorrow and forever we will love you and miss you.”

The family, still coming to terms with the tragic loss, has established a memorial initiative titled 14 for Fitzy, a social media-based running community celebrating Jack’s life and passion.

Jack’s funeral service, held in Cessnock at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, drew hundreds of mourners including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, and Defence Minister Richard Marles. Soldiers stood in solemn formation along the streets to honour the fallen Lance Corporal.

Mr. Fitzgibbon also addressed a large audience at North Bondi RSL Club, paying tribute to all Australian service members who have given their lives for the nation.

Jack Fitzgibbon’s legacy lives on through his family’s continued efforts to honour his memory and through the collective reflection of a grateful nation.