Corporal Darren Fitzpatrick
Corporal Darren Fitzpatrick
Corporal Darren James Fitzpatrick was born 1 June 1988 in Burnaby, British Columbia. He joined the Canadian Forces on 18 December 2006 in Vancouver, British Columbia and completed his basic military training in St Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec.
Cpl Fitzpatrick was then posted to Wainwright, Alberta and Shilo, Manitoba in order to finish his Infantryman Qualifications before being posted to Third Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton, Alberta on 24 August 2007.
He was on his first deployment to Afghanistan, working with the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team. Dedicated, Cpl Darren Fitzpatrick's comrades knew he could always be counted upon. He was known as a character by his peers when playing poker, darts or cribbage, but was a silent professional when it came time to soldiering. His actions spoke louder then any words could have. Corporal Fitzpatrick gave all that he had at everything he did, from playing hockey to every convoy and patrol in which he participated.
Cpl Fitzpatrick was critically injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a joint Canadian/Afghan dismounted patrol West of Kandahar City on 6 March 2010. He was treated for his injuries at Kandahar Airfield, moved to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and was then evacuated to the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton on 19 March 2010.
He passed away the following day surrounded by his family. He is survived by his mother Colleen, his father James, and his brothers Mike and Sean. Cpl Darren Fitzpatrick will be missed terribly by his family, friends, and the Regiment. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Family Statement
It is with deep sadness and regret that we are sending this correspondence to you today. Our beloved son Darren was critically wounded by an improvised explosive device on March 6. He passed away late Saturday afternoon in Edmonton surrounded by his family.
Darren will be missed terribly by his family, friends and many people who loved him and were fortunate enough to have known him in this life. Despite our grief, we are immensely proud of Darren as such an incredible young man.
From the loving family of Cpl Darren Fitzpatrick