Tributes pour in for Australian boxing champion Josh Frederiksen following fatal skydiving accident

Former Australian boxing champion Josh Frederiksen has died after a skydiving accident despite his parachute opening correctly

36-year-old Josh Frederiksen, who held the Australian light-heavyweight title during a 20-fight professional career, suffered fatal injuries during a jump at Toogoolawah, northwest of Brisbane, on Wednesday, November 5th, 2026.

The fatal incident happened during a routine jump at Skydive Ramblers Toogoolawah, near Brisbane. Frederiksen was an experienced skydiver, having completed over 100 jumps.

Early reports suggest Frederiksen, from Kingscliff, New South Wales, encountered turbulence near the landing area, resulting in a heavy impact despite his parachute deploying correctly.

Reports from news.com.au claim that the boxer 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.

He suffered significant injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where he later died.

The Australian Parachute Federation confirmed Frederiksen’s death, with chief executive Stephen Porter expressing his condolences to the former champion’s family.

“APF (Australian Parachute Federation) is deeply saddened by the death of one of our members following a landing accident,” Porter 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 survived the demands of professional boxing and completed more than 100 skydives before the hazardous landing that vary sadly cost him his life.

Queensland Police are preparing a report for the coroner as the circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation.

Fellow heavyweight pro boxer, Nick Midgley, who considered Frederiksen a brother, was among those paying tribute.

“The world lost a special man through a tragic skydiving accident last night,” Midgley wrote 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.”

Ring Magazine contributor, Anthony Cocks, wrote on X, "Terrible news. Condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Josh Frederiksen."

Frederiksen fought professionally 20 times, compiling a record of 13 wins, five losses and two draws during a career that included winning the Australian light heavyweight championship.

His most recent professional fight came in March 2025, having made his debut in October 2016.

Away from the ring, Frederiksen was also a barber, breathwork coach and boxing mentor.

A GoFundMe page set up following his death has raised more than $25,000 after contributions from friends and supporters.

GBN would also like to extend their deepest condolences to Josh Frederiksen's loved ones at this terrible time.