Jemma Stapleton, an Australian sprinter who finished third at the 2025 Stawell Gift, died Wednesday in a motorcycle crash.
She was 25.
Stapleton was reportedly riding a motorcycle on Thailand’s Koh Samui island when the incident happened, and authorities pointed to rainy weather as a key factor of the crash. Her family was traveling behind her.
“I’m so lucky to have had her guiding me through my first 21 years,” Stapleton’s brother, Joel, told the Australian Broadcasting Company. “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.”
“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 and I will never stop,” Stapleton’s partner, Tyler Gray, posted on social media.
To help the Stapleton family handle the financial pressure of the situation, a GoFundMe page was created.
“It is with great sadness that our beautiful friends the Stapleton family are facing the unmeasurable grief while on a family holiday with the passing of their beautiful daughter, sister and partner Jemma,” the GoFundMe stated. “This go found me has been set up (and approved by the family) to help ease a bit of pressure financially for the family so they can grieve together and spend as much time together to get through and navigate this impossible loss.”
Stapleton’s death comes a week after her 25th birthday on a family vacation and months after a standout track season. After finishing third in the Stawell Gift in 2025, she returned to the final this year.
