Honour Wall

It is with great sadness Defence can confirm the death of Special Air Service Regiment soldier Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle during a parachute training accident on the evening of 11 May 2026.

At this time, our main priority is to support Warrant Officer Class Two Muddle's family. Our thoughts are with them, his friends and the Regiment as they grieve his loss. We request that the privacy of Defence members and families is respected at this time.

The Australian Defence Force has temporarily paused all parachuting training.

Frank joined the Marine Rescue Ballina unit in January 2024 and progressed to the rating of Coxswain. He was part of a six-person crew responding to a yacht in distress at the South Ballina bar on the evening of 5 May 2026 when their vessel capsized in heavy seas.

"These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others." Commissioner Todd Andrews, Marine Rescue NSW

Bill served the Marine Rescue Ballina unit for nearly ten years and was a highly respected crew member. He was part of a six-person crew responding to a yacht in distress at the South Ballina bar on the evening of 5 May 2026 when their vessel capsized in heavy seas.

"These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others." Commissioner Todd Andrews, Marine Rescue NSW