A soldier from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment has died during a training activity on Mount Cook, New Zealand on Wednesday 16 July 2014 at approximately 12.30pm (New Zealand local time).
The Australian Army members were conducting a two week mountain and cold weather operations training activity in New Zealand.
No other Army members were injured and the training was immediately suspended.
The soldier was recovered by his colleagues who administered first aid. Sadly, they were unable to revive him and the New Zealand emergency services later declared the soldier deceased.
The soldier was highly qualified and experienced in alpine, mountain and altitude activities.
The soldier’s next of kin have been notified and Defence is providing them with support.
Defence requests the media respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.
The Australian Defence Force Investigative Service (ADFIS) will assist the New Zealand Police and New Zealand Coroner with their investigation.
Defence will not be providing further details of the incident, or the soldier’s personal or service history, at this time.
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
