Australian sprinter Jemma Stapleton has died while on a family holiday on Koh Samui, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the athletics community and widespread support for her family. Stapleton, from Melbourne, was 25 years old and had celebrated her birthday on June 1, shortly before her death. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
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Stapleton was a prominent figure in Victorian athletics and was a finalist in the Stawell Gift, one of Australia’s most prestigious running races. She finished third in the 2025 Stawell Gift and reached the final again in 2026. She was travelling in Thailand with close family members at the time of her death.
Her passing was first reported while the family was still overseas. A GoFundMe campaign established to assist with repatriating her body raised almost A$100,000 by Friday 12 June 2026. The fundraiser described the family as facing “immeasurable grief” following her sudden death abroad.
Tributes have been paid by family members, friends and organisations across the athletics community. In a video tribute provided to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), her brother Joel Stapleton said she had been more than a sister and described her as his best friend and a constant source of support.
“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,” Joel said. He added that he was grateful to call her his sister.
Her partner, Tyler Gray, also shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, describing Stapleton as the greatest thing to happen to him and saying he was struggling to come to terms with the loss. Former coach Mark Thomas said he was shocked by the news and remembered her as one of his favourite athletes to coach.
The Victorian Athletic League described Stapleton as a valued member of the community whose presence left a lasting impact. Athletics Australia remembered her as a “beautiful, bright and warm personality who was always smiling”, adding that she brought positivity wherever she went. Colleagues from her work as a childcare worker also praised her kindness and support.
The Daily Mail reported that the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the family. Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding Stapleton’s death and it remains publicly unclear how she died while on holiday in Thailand.
Pictures courtesy of Daily Mail
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailymail 12 June 2026