Defence confirms Death of Soldier Injured in Vehicle Accident

It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force confirms that Sapper Jordan Ronald Penpraze has died from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident on the Holsworthy Range on Monday, 8 October 2012.

Twenty-two year-old Sapper Penpraze was one of 18 members from the Australian Army’s School of Military Engineering who were injured in the accident.

He enlisted in the Regular Army in April and on completing Army Recruit training commenced his Initial Employment Training on 11 July 2012.

Sapper Penpraze had been in a critical condition since Monday’s accident. Earlier today his family made the heartbreaking decision to switch off his life support.

The Commanding Officer of the School of Military Engineering, Lieutenant Colonel Allan Hollink expressed his deepest sympathies.

“The Australian Army has lost one of its newest soldiers,” Lieutenant Colonel Hollink said.

 “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jordan’s family, his friends and his mates.

 “Our focus at the moment is on providing them with emotional and welfare support as they deal with this terrible loss.”

 Sapper Penpraze’s family is receiving support from Defence. They will not be making any comment at this time and have requested their privacy be respected.

 The Australian Defence Force Investigative Service continues to work with the New South Wales Police and ComCare to determine the exact nature and details of the accident.

Personal details of Sapper Penpraze are available at:

http://www.army.gov.au/Our-work/News-and-media/Death-of-soldier-injured-in-vehicle-accident

An image of Sapper Penpraze, courtesy of the family, is available at:

http://images.defence.gov.au/12131323

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations: 02 6127 1999