Tributes flow in for Geelong soldier killed in live fire training
Family members and friends are paying tribute to an Australian soldier, killed in a tragic live fire training exercise on Wednesday.
Jason Challis, from Geelong, died in hospital after the incident at the Mount Bundey Training Area near Darwin on Wednesday afternoon.
He was treated at the scene but later died at Royal Darwin Hospital.
"The Army and ADF community extends its deepest sympathies to the soldier's family and friends," Defence said in a statement.
Jason Challis was killed near Darwin on Wednesday. Photo: Facebook
"It is a deep shock to the organisation and will be felt by the broader Army family."
Friends of Mr Challis’ family members have begun posting emotional tributes to the young man on their social media pages, expressing their grief over his shock death.
“Words just aren’t enough at this time. Jason is simply the best,” one mourner wrote.
The Army has now suspended live training activities across its combat brigades to review risk assessment processes and training safety management.
The ADF said it would work with NT Police Major Crime Unit and Forensics officers as they investigated what went wrong.
Labor also extended its sympathies to the soldier's family and friends.
Friends have family members of Jason Challis have been posting tributes to social media. Photo: Facebook
"On behalf of the Labor opposition, we extend our deepest sympathies to the soldier's family and friends," shadow defence minister Richard Marles and shadow defence personnel minister Amanda Rishworth said in a statement.
"The men and women of our Defence Forces do an extraordinary job on behalf of our nation."
It comes less than a week after a 21-year-old Australian soldier was killed by a falling tree branch during a training exercise near Rockhampton.
