Friends, family and strangers have paid tribute to Geelong soldier Jason Challis who was killed in an Army training exercise in Darwin on Wednesday.
Mr Challis’s family released a statement yesterday afternoon describing him as a cheeky and loving son.
“Our beautiful boy has gone,” it read. “His personality pleased and brought so many people together. Everyone he met loved him and fell in love with him.”
“Jason was the best son, step-son, brother and mate you could ever ask for. Rest in peace, our darling Jason, we love you forever.”
People from around Australia joined the fallen soldier’s family and friends in paying tribute to him.
“My thoughts go out to all who knew him and served with him. Lest we forget,” one post read.
Jason Challis died at Royal Darwin Hospital after being wounded at the Mount Bundey Training Area, 100km south east of Darwin, about 12.45pm local time on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old former Grovedale College student was reportedly taking part in a live-fire exercise when he was wounded.
He received immediate first aid at the scene and paramedics airlifted him to the Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment.
An Australian Defence Force (ADF) statement said the Army had notified the soldier’s next of kin and was supporting them through their grief.
“The Army and ADF community extends its deepest sympathies to the soldier’s family and friends,” the statement read.
“It is a deep shock to the organisation and will be felt by the broader Army family.”
The Army suspended training activities across its combat brigades to review its safety measures.
“The Chief of Army and Army commanders acknowledge the gravity of this and recent incidents and take all matters relating to personnel and training very seriously,” the statement read.
Northern Territory police were investigating the incident and will prepare a report for the Northern Territory Coroner. The ADF was assisting police with their inquiries.
Craig Garraway from Northern Territory St John Ambulance told the ABC that Mr Challis arrived at Royal Darwin Hospital at about 2.30pm.
“I am led to believe that he did have a head injury of some description,“ Mr Garraway said.
Unconfirmed reports said the Mr Challis sustained a gunshot wound to the head and later died of heart failure, but ADF Media has refused to confirm the claims.
