New details emerge after Australian sprinter dies on family holiday
A young female Australian sprinter died in Thailand after her motorcycle slid into oncoming traffic, authorities claim.
Jemma Stapleton, 25, was holidaying with her parents and brothers last week when tragedy struck.
Authorities have told local media Stapleton was with her family riding motorcycles on a Koh Samui highway when the accident happened.
Jemma Stapleton, 25, was killed after coming off a motorbike in Thailand while travelling.
She was ahead of her group, when her motorcycle is believed to have slipped on the wet road and veered into oncoming traffic, The Nation reported.
She died at the scene.
Her death was just two weeks after her June 1 birthday.
Her younger brother Joel told 9News their family was “devastated by this unimaginable loss”.
“I was so incredibly lucky to have her as my sister and to have her guiding me through life.
“She had a heart of gold, always putting others before herself, and her kindness touched everyone who knew her.
“Her smile was infectious and could brighten even the darkest day.”
The news sparked mass grieving within the athletics community.
The Melbourne star was a finalist in the 2025 Stawell Gift, one of Australia’s most prestigious races.
After her death, her brother Joel wrote a tribute in which he called Stapleton his best friend.
“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,” he wrote.
Stapleton’s long-term partner Tyler Gray wrote an emotional tribute on Instagram.
“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.”
The Victorian Athletic League said Stapleton was a valued member of the community “whose presence, character and contribution left a lasting impact on those around her”.
More than $100,000 has been raised on a GoFundMe page in less than 24 hours in a bid to “bring her home”.
The page shared the news of the family’s “immeasurable grief”.
In an updated post, on behalf of the Stapleton family, the message said they wanted to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming generosity.
“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,” the page said.
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