The Stawell Gift finalist had grand plans on and off the track but now her death has devastated a community.
Stawell Gift finalist Jemma Stapleton’s grieving coach has revealed their grand plans for the future as he paid tribute to the rising star following her death on an overseas family holiday.
The 25-year-old was killed after coming off a motorbike in Thailand while travelling with her parents and brothers.
The exact circumstances of the accident are unclear.
But the devastating news has sparked an outpouring of grief among the Victorian athletics community and beyond, with Stapleton remembered as a gifted runner and a “cherished educator” at a local childcare centre.
An online fundraiser has drawn more than $100,000 in less than 24 hours in a bid to “bring her home”.
Stapleton was a regular in the Victorian Athletic League’s Gift series and had high hopes for more success on the road to Stawell next year and beyond.
She told her coach Craig Mair this year would be her year.
“For somebody so young, with so much in front of them,” Mair told 7NEWS.
“She talked about buying a house, getting married, having kids, and she had all that in front of her still to go.”
Stapleton’s long-term partner Tyler wrote: “I can’t put into words the hurt I am feeling. 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 gweeb and I will never stop.”
Her brother Joel wrote: “Rest in peace, I love you so much. I promise I’ll make you proud. You were the best sister and my best friend. I’ll forever miss you. Rest easy.”
Mair said they thought Stapleton was a genuine chance to win the Stawell Gift by 2028.
“So that’s heartbreaking,” he said.
Teammate Charlotte Nielsoen spoke through tears as she remembered her friend at the Doncaster athletics track where they trained.
“She was a beautiful girl, she was so, so lovely, so beautiful, so bubbly,” Nielsen told 7NEWS.
“She was really great with kids and would always look after the babies at the track whenever one of our teammates had a baby.
“She was always there looking after them.”
Stapleton’s colleagues at Kool Kidz Rowville mourned the “beloved member” of their community on Friday.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share some devastating news regarding a beloved member of our Kool Kidz Rowville community. Our cherished educator, Jemma Stapleton, passed away while being on a family holiday to Thailand,” Kool Kidz said.
“We were only made aware of this heartbreaking news yesterday late afternoon, and details remain very limited at this stage.
“Like all of you, our entire team is in a state of shock and deep sorrow over the sudden loss of such a vibrant, caring and dedicated young woman.
“Jemma brought an irreplaceable warmth and kindness to our community, leaving a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the children, families, and colleagues she worked with.
“Her absence leaves a profound void in our hearts; she was truly taken from us far too soon.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with Jemma’s family, friends, and loved ones.
“Rest in peace, Jemma. You will be deeply missed, always loved, and forever remembered.”
Australian sprinter Jemma Stapleton mourned after death in Thailand, two weeks after birthday
Jemma Stapleton is being remembered for her dedication and talent. (Instagram: @jemmastapleton)
In short:
Stawell Gift finalist Jemma Stapleton, 25, died while on a family holiday in Thailand.
Her brother Joel has spoken of her “bright smile” and says the family is grateful for the community’s support.
The Victorian Athletics League said Stapleton left a lasting impact on those around her.
Stawell Gift finalist Jemma Stapleton died while on holiday in Thailand two weeks after her birthday, her brother says.
Stapleton, 25, was with her family in Koh Samui when she died. The cause of her death has not been revealed.
The sprinter from Melbourne came third in the 2025 edition of the Stawell Gift and made the final in this year’s race.
She celebrated her birthday on June 1.
In a video tribute provided to the ABC, Joel Stapleton said Jemma was more than a sister.
“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.
“I’m so grateful that I can call her my sister.”
Joel Stapleton said his sister was his best friend. (Supplied: Joel Stapleton)
Stapleton’s partner, Tyler Gray, posted a tribute on his Instagram page.
“I can’t put into words the hurt I am feeling,” Mr Gray 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.”
Jemma Stapleton competes at the Stawell Gift. (Instagram: @jemmastapleton)
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the family.
A GoFundMe page set up to help support the family has closed after more than $100,000 was donated in less than 24 hours.
“We’ve had an [outpouring] of messages and donations, and we’re just so overwhelmed. Thank you,” Mr Stapleton said.
“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.”
The Victorian Athletic League said Stapleton left a lasting impact on the people around her.
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Jemma Stapleton,” the league wrote.
“Jemma was a valued member of our community whose presence, character and contribution left a lasting impact on those around her.
“On behalf of everyone at the Victorian Athletic League, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Praise for Stapleton’s talent, dedication
The Stawell Gift said Stapleton was a talented athlete who would be fondly remembered.
“Her outstanding performance to finish third in the 2025 Powercor Women’s Gift was a testament to her talent, dedication and passion for the sport of professional running,” it said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Jemma’s family, friends, training partners, pro running friends, and all those who knew and loved her.”
Knox Little Athletics said Stapleton had showed “great talent, determination and love for athletics” as a junior competitor.
Jemma Stapleton is being fondly remembered by the Victorian athletics community. (Supplied: Joel Stapleton)
“Her achievements on the track were a reflection of her dedication, competitive spirit and the joy she brought to the sport,” the organisation said in a statement.
“Many within our centre will remember Jemma and the Stapleton family with great fondness.
“Our heartfelt thoughts, love and condolences are with Jemma’s family, her partner Tyler, and all those who knew and loved her, as they face the unimaginable grief of losing a cherished daughter, sister, partner and friend.”
Rowville Netball Club hoped Stapleton’s family found comfort in the love and support surrounding them.
“The loss of someone so young is simply unimaginable, and there are no words that can truly ease the pain being felt by those who loved her,” the club said.
