Jemma Stapleton, Australian sprinter and Stawell Gift finalist, dies aged 25 on family holiday

Local Australian athletics organisations person paid tribute to 2025 Stawell Gift finalist Jemma Stapleton, 25, who died while connected vacation overseas pinch her family.

The origin of decease has not yet been disclosed, though an online fundraising page shared by her relative said she “tragically mislaid her life successful an accident”.

A flood of tributes from family and sporting clubs began connected Thursday evening, honouring nan Victorian sprinter.

A fundraising page was group up for Stapleton’s family, which read: “It is pinch awesome sadness that our beautiful friends nan Stapleton family are facing nan unmeasurable condolences while connected a family vacation pinch nan passing of their beautiful daughter, sister and partner Jemma.”

Created connected Thursday, nan fundraising page has already reached complete its $100,000 goal.

“This GoFundMe has been group up (and approved by nan family) to thief easiness a spot of unit financially for nan family truthful they tin grieve together and walk arsenic overmuch clip together arsenic imaginable to get done and navigate this intolerable loss,” nan webpage said.

Stapleton’s partner, Tyler Gray, wrote connected Instagram: “I can’t put into words nan wounded I americium feeling.

“You are nan azygous top point to hap to maine and I americium truthful grateful for nan emotion we shared.

“I emotion you pinch each my heart.”

Her brother, Joel, posted a tribute connected his Instagram that said: “Rest successful peace.

“I emotion you truthful much, I committedness I’ll make you proud. You were nan champion sister and my champion friend, I’ll everlastingly miss you.”

Joel besides reposted nan fundraising page to his Instagram story, saying: “So grateful for you all.”

Lysterfield inferior shot nine besides posted a tribute to nan young athlete, noting Stapleton’s partner and relative were portion of its community:

“While this news reaches america done those connections, coming our thoughts are pinch Jemma, her family, friends and each those who loved her.”

Stapleton competed pinch Knox Little Athletics arsenic a junior. The organisation said successful a connection that she showed immense talent, determination and “love for athletics”.

“Her achievements connected nan way were a reflection of her dedication, competitory tone and nan joyousness she brought to nan sport,” it said.

“Many wrong our centre will retrieve Jemma and nan Stapleton family pinch awesome fondness.

“Our heartfelt thoughts, emotion and condolences are pinch Jemma’s family, her partner Tyler, and each those who knew and loved her, arsenic they look nan unimaginable condolences of losing a cherished daughter, sister, partner and friend.”

The Victorian Athletic League said successful a connection that Stapleton near an effect connected those astir her.

“Jemma was a weighted personnel of our organization whose presence, characteristic and publication near a lasting effect connected those astir her.

“On behalf of everyone astatine nan Victorian Athletic League, we widen our deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” nan convention said.

The Rowville Netball club, wherever Stapleton was a erstwhile player, said nan nonaccomplishment of personification truthful young was “unimaginable”.

“We dream they tin find comfortableness successful nan emotion and support surrounding them and successful nan galore memories shared pinch Jemma.

“Jemma will ever beryllium remembered arsenic portion of our Rowville Netball Club family, and our thoughts are pinch each who are grieving this tragic loss,” nan nine said successful an Instagram post.

Dfat and Australian Athletics person been reached for comment.