The coach of Stawell Gift finalist Jemma Stapleton has paid tribute to his rising star following her death on an overseas family holiday. The 25-year-old was killed after coming off a motorbike in Thailand while travelling with her parents and brothers. The exact circumstances of the accident are unclear.
But the devastating news has sparked an outpouring of grief among the Victorian athletics community, with Stapleton remembered as a gifted runner and a 'cherished educator' at a local childcare centre. An online fundraiser has drawn more than $100,000 in less than 24 hours in a bid to 'bring her home'.
A promising career cut short
Stapleton was a regular in the Victorian Athletic League's Gift series and had high hopes for more success on the road to Stawell next year. She told her coach Craig Mair this year would be her year.
'For somebody so young, with so much in front of them,' Mair told 7NEWS. 'She talked about buying a house, getting married, having kids, and she had all that in front of her still to go.'
Mair said they thought Stapleton was a genuine chance to win the Stawell Gift by 2028. 'So that's heartbreaking,' he said.
Heartfelt tributes from loved ones
Stapleton's long-term partner Tyler wrote: '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 gweeb and I will never stop.'
Her brother Joel 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. Rest easy.'
Teammate Charlotte Nielson spoke through tears at the Doncaster athletics track on Friday as she remembered her friend. 'She was a beautiful girl, she was so, so lovely, so beautiful, so bubbly,' Nielson said. 'She was really great with kids and would always look after the babies at the track whenever one of our teammates had a baby. She was always there looking after them.'
Colleagues mourn a cherished educator
Stapleton worked at Kool Kidz Rowville, with her colleagues paying tribute on Friday. 'It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share some devastating news regarding a beloved member of our Kool Kidz Rowville community. Our cherished educator, Jemma Stapleton, passed away while being on a family holiday to Thailand,' Kool Kidz said.
'We were only made aware of this heartbreaking news yesterday late afternoon, and details remain very limited at this stage. Like all of you, our entire team is in a state of shock and deep sorrow over the sudden loss of such a vibrant, caring and dedicated young woman. Jemma brought an irreplaceable warmth and kindness to our community, leaving a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the children, families, and colleagues she worked with. Her absence leaves a profound void in our hearts; she was truly taken from us far too soon. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with Jemma's family, friends, and loved ones. Rest in peace, Jemma. You will be deeply missed, always loved, and forever remembered.'
