Jemma Stapleton, 25, Australian sprinter and finalist in Stawell Gift, dies on family holiday
A fundraising page set up for the family of Australian sprinter Jemma Stapleton has surpassed its $100,000 target, as the community rallies to support loved ones after the 25-year-old died while on holiday overseas. The page, established on Thursday, has raised more than $101,930 Australian dollars from over 1,060 donations, with the beneficiary listed as her father, Darren Stapleton. The organiser, Declan Smith, wrote that the money would help “ease a bit of pressure financially for the family so they can grieve together” and that “any and all support to help the Stapleton family bring her home is kindly appreciated”. Stapleton, a finalist in the 2025 Stawell Gift, died in Thailand during a family trip in what her brother described as an accident, though the official cause of death has not been disclosed.
Tributes to a Rising Star
The outpouring of grief from family, friends and sporting organisations has been profound. Stapleton’s partner, Tyler Gray, posted on Instagram that he could not “put into words the hurt I am feeling”, adding that she was “the single greatest thing to happen to me”. Gray, who was her high school sweetheart, disclosed that the couple had been planning their future together for more than a decade. Her brother, Joel Stapleton, 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.” He described her as having a “heart of gold” who always put others before herself. Joel also reposted the fundraising page to his Instagram story, thanking supporters.
The athletics community has been quick to honour Stapleton’s achievements. She was considered a rising star in Australian track and field, having begun her career in hurdles and sprint events as a junior with Knox Little Athletics, where she represented the club at state level. In her senior career she rose through the Victorian Athletic League circuit, culminating in a third-place finish in the 2025 Stawell Gift final – Australia’s oldest and richest short‑distance running race, held annually on Easter weekend on grass at Central Park in Stawell. She had beaten the 2022 winner and Australian representative Carla Bull in the semi‑finals of the same event. Stapleton also won the 2026 Women’s Ringwood Gift, confirming her place among Victoria’s elite sprinters, and reached another semi‑final in the 2026 Stawell Gift. Her name appeared in the handicaps for the 2025 Powercor Stawell Gift with an 11‑metre handicap, and she competed in the Victorian Track & Field Championship in March 2019. The Stawell Gift, first run in 1878, offers $40,000 prize money to both men’s and women’s winners and is regarded as a significant part of Australian sporting tradition.
Knox Little Athletics issued a statement noting that Stapleton showed “immense talent, determination and ‘love for athletics’”, and that her achievements reflected her dedication and competitive spirit. “Many within our centre will remember Jemma and the Stapleton family with great fondness,” it said, extending “heartfelt thoughts, love and condolences” to her partner Tyler, her family and all who knew her. The Victorian Athletic League described her as a “valued member of our community whose presence, character and contribution left a lasting impact on those around her”. Rowville Netball Club, where Stapleton was a former player, called the loss of someone so young “unimaginable” and said she would “always be remembered as part of our Rowville Netball Club family”. Lysterfield Junior Football Club, which has connections through her partner and brother, also paid tribute, stating their thoughts were with Jemma, her family and friends.
The news of her death also prompted a social media backlash after a user mocked a birthday post that Stapleton had shared for her brother. The comment was met with widespread criticism from fans and the broader community.
Community Fundraising and Support
The GoFundMe campaign, approved by the family, was set to “help ease a bit of pressure financially” so that the Stapletons could “grieve together and spend as much time together as possible to get through and navigate this impossible loss”. The description read: “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 page quickly exceeded its $100,000 goal, with donations continuing to flow in from across the country and beyond.
Official Statements
A spokesperson for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed that the department is “providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died overseas” and extended “deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time”. The Victorian Athletic League, in its own statement, added: “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.”
