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Warrant Officer Class Two, Muddle, 50, was fatally involved in a mid-air collision with another soldier on Monday evening, Defence has confirmed. The second soldier involved in the incident suffered minor injuries and was reportedly the first person to provide first aid to WOFF Muddle.
WOFF Muddle was a highly skilled, experienced paratrooper and had served in the Special Air Service (SAS) regiment.
“He was operationally experienced. He was a highly qualified special forces sniper and military freefall parachutist,” Australian Army Special Operations Commander Major General Garth Gould said, addressing the media on Tuesday afternoon.
“What we know about the incident is that both paratroopers collided several hundred feet above the ground whilst they were manoeuvring towards the drop zone. After the collision, both soldiers fell from height.”
Shadow minister for defence industry and defence personnel Phillip Thompson said the Australian community mourns the loss of an extremely experienced Special Air Service Regiment warrior.
“Our ADF personnel accept extraordinary risks in service of the nation, including the possibility of making the ultimate sacrifice in battle and in training,” he said.
“My thoughts and love is with Warrant Officer Class Two Muddle’s family, friends and the wider Defence community.”
Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia, Luke Gosling, said he was saddened to hear of the death of Special Air Service Regiment soldier Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle during a parachute training accident.
“My thoughts are with Lachlan’s family, mates and the wider SAS Regiment community,” he said.
“These incidents hit hard because the Special Forces community is a small one, and behind every uniform is a family carrying the weight of service alongside them.
“Every day, SAS and Commando operators put themselves through some of the toughest training in the world to stay ready for the missions Australia may ask of them.
“It’s demanding, dangerous work done quietly and professionally, and Australians should never take that commitment for granted. Lest we forget.”
RSL Australia national president Peter Tinley said the Special Air Service Regiment lost one of its own.
“There are no words adequate to this moment. Only the truth that service carries risk not just on operations, but in the demanding training that makes our people ready for operations. That risk is understood by every member who undertakes it. It does not make the loss any lighter,” he said.
“This hits all who have served and supported someone who serves. We know sometimes training has no margin for error. I know what this loss means, to the unit, to the broader SASR community, and most of all to Lachlan's family, friends and mates. Our thoughts are with them.
“The RSL stands with all who serve and all who have served. If you are a current or former member of the Regimental community and need support, please reach out to your local RSL sub-branch or Open Arms on 1800 011 046. Lest we forget. Who dares wins.”
Robert Dougherty
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