‘Highly-regarded’ Australian soldier who died in parachuting training course identified – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)
Jervis Bay – A 50-year-old warrant officer from the Special Air Service Regiment has been named as the soldier who died after colliding with another paratrooper during a specialist training jump at the Jervis Bay Airfield. The Australian Defence Force confirmed the death occurred around 5.40pm on the New South Wales south coast, marking another loss for the special operations community. Colleagues described the veteran as highly regarded for his long service and steady commitment to the job.
Details of the Mid-Air Collision
The incident took place during an advanced military free-fall course that had already run for four weeks. Both soldiers had opened their parachutes and were steering toward the drop zone when they struck each other several hundred feet above the ground. Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle fell from height after the impact, while the sergeant from the ADF parachute school who collided with him survived with only minor injuries and immediately began first aid. The two men together held several thousand jumps between them, and both were described as highly skilled. Operations across all personnel parachuting have now been paused while investigators examine what happened.
A Career of Service and Skill
Muddle enlisted in the army in 1994 and moved into Special Operations Command in 2007. He spent most of his time with the Special Air Service Regiment, where he qualified as a Special Forces sniper and military free-fall parachutist. He had seen operational service and was viewed inside the force as a steady, experienced hand. Special Operations Commander Major General Garth Gould noted Muddle’s sense of humour and his genuine commitment to serving the nation through the army and the regiment. The commander said the soldier would be remembered for those qualities by those who worked alongside him.
Support for Families and Next Steps
The Defence Force has placed its immediate focus on supporting Muddle’s family and the other personnel involved in the incident. Investigators will review the training activity, which formed part of a six-week block of advanced free-fall instruction. Privacy for all Defence members and their families has been requested during this period.
Key facts at a glance
- 50-year-old Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle, SAS Regiment
- Collision occurred several hundred feet above the drop zone
- Both paratroopers had thousands of jumps combined
- All personnel parachuting operations paused pending investigation
Recent Training Losses
The death follows other incidents in recent years. Lance Corporal Tulsa Rumney of the 3rd Brigade died in a single-vehicle rollover at the Townsville Field Training Area in October 2025. In 2024, Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was fatally injured in a parachuting accident at Richmond RAAF base. Gould expressed continued confidence in the training system and noted that major changes had already been introduced after those earlier events.
