Former Australian boxing champion Josh Frederiksen has died following a skydiving accident during a routine jump at Skydive Ramblers Toogoolawah, near Brisbane. The 36-year-old was an experienced skydiver with over 100 jumps completed.
Fatal injuries and hospital response
Reports in Australia, from news.com.au, state that Frederiksen suffered fatal injuries to his chest, pelvis and abdomen due to a heavy landing. His parachute is said to have opened as usual, but he was caught in turbulence.
After the landing, he was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, but medics could not save him. His death was confirmed by the Australian Parachute Federation (APF).
APF statement and boxing career
In a statement, the APF said: "APF is deeply saddened by the death of one of our members following a landing accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the skydiving community. Skydiving carries inherent risks, and while we work continually to reduce those risks, they cannot be eliminated entirely."
During his boxing career, Frederiksen fought 20 times, with 13 wins, five losses and two draws. He also claimed the Australian light heavyweight title.
Tributes and fundraising
Fellow boxer and friend Nick Midgley was among those to pay tribute. "The world lost a special man through a tragic skydiving accident last night," he said on Instagram. "I've honestly never heard anyone say a bad word about Josh Frederiksen. He walked out his values and morals in everything he did, and I considered him a brother to me. So I'm absolutely crushed, I also know how his death will impact a lot of other people too. My condolences to his family and loved ones."
A second friend said: "The man who has completed his mission on Earth. With you, I finally know what it actually feels like to have found my missing rib. I know your heart and soul are with God now. And I guess it's your turn to look after me, but probably in the form of my forever guardian angel."
A GoFundMe page set up following his death has raised more than $25,000 after contributions from friends and supporters.
