Heartbreak as star athlete, 25, dies on overseas family holiday

By WAYNE FLOWER, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 23:35, 11 June 2026 | Updated: 23:47, 11 June 2026 A Stawell Gift finalist has tragically died while on an overseas trip of a lifetime.  Former junior athletics champion Jemma Stapleton, who finished third at the 2025 Stawell Gift, died while on a family holiday. A GoFundMe post on behalf of the family asking for donations to help bring her body home had raised more than $84,000 on Friday. 'It is with great sadness that our beautiful friends the Stapleton family are facing immeasurable grief while on a family holiday with the passing of their beautiful daughter, sister and partner Jemma,' the fundraiser stated.  Jemma Stapleton has died in tragic circumstances Her death has sparked an outpouring of emotion from within the athletics world and wider community.  'It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Jemma Stapleton,' the Victorian Athletic League posted to social media.  'Jemma, was a valued member of our community whose presence, character and contribution left a lasting impact on those around her.' Stapleton had finished third at the 2025 Easter Monday classic, returning to Stawell in 2026 and making it into yet another semi-final.  It remains publicly unclear how Stapleton died while enjoying the family trip abroad.  Her partner and family members paid tribute to her as they mourned her loss.  '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,' Stapleton’s partner Tyler posted.  '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,' her brother Joel wrote.  Jemma Stapleton was a running champion  Jemma Stapleton has been remembered for her beauty off the track  Athletics Australia remembered Stapleton for her performance on and off the track.  'Jemma was a beautiful, bright and warm personality who was always smiling. Her presence lifted every environment she stepped into, and it was a genuine pleasure to have known her,' it posted.  Former coach Mark Thomas described his heartache upon learning of his former student's death.  'I was shocked when told of the passing of Jemma tonight and couldn't really believe it,' he wrote.  'Jemma was one of my favourite athletes I have had the pleasure of coaching and was very sad when she left our squad but it pales into significance with the loss of someone who was loved by all.  'Joel I hope you're doing ok as I know how much you loved your sister and I know she loved you back just as much, make her even prouder.  'Condolences to the whole family for your loss and I can't imagine the grief you're going through. 'RIP Jemma you will be forever young and much loved in all our hearts.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.