Former Australian boxing champion Josh Frederiksen dies in freak skydiving accident aged 36
‘I’ve honestly never heard anyone say a bad word about Josh.’
Former Australian boxer Josh Frederiksen has died in a freak skydiving accident aged 36.
The experienced skydiver was rushed to hospital after routine sports jump gone wrong at Skydive Ramblers Toogoolawah, northwest of Brisbane, on Wednesday.
Frederiksen’s parachute opened and worked as it was supposed to, but things got out of control when he hit turbulence close to landing and crashed into the ground.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The former Australian light heavyweight champion was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital after suffering chest, pelvic and abdominal injuries.
He tragically died later that night. Queensland Police are now preparing a report for the coroner.
Australian Parachute Federation (APF) CEO Stephen Porter announced his death in a statement on Thursday.
“APF is deeply saddened by the death of one of our members following a landing accident,” he said.
“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.”
Frederiksen had done over 100 jumps since discovering a passion for skydiving. He was also a popular breath coach, barber, and boxing mentor to several others.
The devastating news has sent shockwaves around the Australian boxing community.
Former Australian professional heavyweight, promoter, and mentor to Frederiksen, Nick Midgley, poured his heart out in a gut-wrenching post on social media.
“The world lost a special man through a tragic skydiving accident last night,” he wrote on Thursday.
“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.”
The father of one of Frederiksen’s mentees said he will be missed dearly.
“Such sad news. A true champion taken too early,” Paul Vuko said.
Former super featherweight world champion Will Tomlinson called it “horrible”.
Frederiksen had 13 wins, five losses and two draws across his his career, which only finished in March last year.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support his family.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
