Jemma Stapleton, a 25-year-old sprinter from Melbourne who finished third in the 2025 Stawell Gift and reached the final again this year, has died while holidaying with her family in Thailand. Her death was confirmed by family members and Australian athletics organisations on Thursday evening.
Stapleton was in Koh Samui when she died, just two weeks after celebrating her 25th birthday on June 1. According to 7News, she came off a motorbike while overseas. The cause of death has not been officially confirmed, though a fundraising page shared by her family said she “tragically lost her life in an accident,” The Guardian reported.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was “providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died overseas.” A spokesperson added: “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.”
A career built on the track
Stapleton was a former Knox Little Athletics junior who competed with the Rowville Club from a young age. She rose through the ranks of Victorian athletics before becoming a finalist at the Stawell Gift, Australia’s oldest and richest professional footrace, held every Easter long weekend.
Her third-place finish in the 2025 Powercor Women’s Gift marked her as one of the country’s most promising sprinters. She returned to the final again in 2026.
In a statement, the Stawell Gift said Stapleton’s run was “a testament to her talent, dedication and passion for the sport of professional running.”
The Victorian Athletic League called her “a valued member of our community whose presence, character and contribution left a lasting impact on those around her.”
Family tributes
Stapleton’s brother, Joel, spoke about her in a video tribute provided to ABC News. He said she was his best friend.
“She was my best friend, and I’m so lucky to have had her guiding me through my first 21 years,” he said. “She was always there for me and whenever I needed help she was always there.”
“For those that knew her, you know how lucky you were to have her in your life. Her smile was so bright that wherever she went you knew she was there.”
On Instagram, Joel wrote: “Rest in peace. I love you so so much. I promise I’ll make you proud. You were the best sister and my best friend I’ll forever miss you.”
Stapleton’s partner, Tyler Gray, also posted a tribute. “I can’t put into words the hurt I am feeling,” he wrote. “You are the single greatest thing to happen to me and I am so grateful for the love we shared. I love you with all my heart.”
Community response
A GoFundMe page set up by family friend Declan Smith to help bring Stapleton’s body home and ease financial pressure on her family closed after raising more than $100,000 in less than 24 hours.
“Jemma would have been absolutely overwhelmed to see her community come together in this way — it is a true reflection of the beautiful person she was,” Smith wrote on the page. “The family are asking for privacy during this incredibly difficult time as they grieve and support one another.”
Joel Stapleton added: “We’ve had an outpouring of messages and donations, and we’re just so overwhelmed. Thank you. If you are able to, let the people around you know that you love them, and hug them. You never know when the last time you get to do that is.”
Knox Little Athletics, where Stapleton competed as a junior, said she had shown “great talent, determination and love for athletics” from an early age. “Her achievements on the track were a reflection of her dedication, competitive spirit and the joy she brought to the sport,” the organisation said.
Rowville Netball Club, where Stapleton was a former player, said the loss was “simply unimaginable, and there are no words that can truly ease the pain being felt by those who loved her.”
Lysterfield Junior Football Club also paid tribute, noting that Stapleton’s partner and brother were part of its community.
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