The Australian athletics community is mourning the sudden death of sprinter Jemma Stapleton, who died after an undisclosed accident while on holiday with her family. She was 25.
A GoFundMe page set up on Wednesday, June 10 said the Stapleton family was facing “unmeasurable grief” after the tragedy overseas and asked for support to help bring her home. The fundraiser has since raised more than $103,000.
Family and partner share tributes
In an update on Friday, June 12, the organizer said the family was grateful for the response and asked for privacy as they grieve. Contributions to the page were then closed.
Jemma’s brother, Joel Stapleton, described her as his “best friend” in a video tribute shared by the ABC. He said she had guided him through his first 21 years and praised her bright smile and constant support.
Her partner, Tyler Gray, also posted a tribute on Instagram, writing, “I can’t put into words the hurt I am feeling,” and calling her “the single greatest thing to happen to me.”
What is known so far
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Stapleton was traveling with her family in Koh Samui, Thailand, when she died. A cause of death has not yet been revealed, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family.
Stapleton had turned 25 just two weeks before her death, and her final performances had drawn attention in Australian running circles. She finished third in the women’s final at the 2025 Stawell Gift, Australia’s oldest and richest short-distance footrace.
The Stawell Gift said her third-place finish in the 2025 Powercor Women’s Gift was a testament to her “talent, dedication and passion for the sport of professional running.” The organization added its condolences for her family, friends, training partners and others who knew her.
| Key detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Jemma Stapleton |
| Age | 25 |
| Location | Koh Samui, Thailand |
| Notable result | Third place in the women’s final at the 2025 Stawell Gift |
| Fundraiser total | More than $103,000 |
