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Jemma Stapleton
Credit: Kelly Defina/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Sprinter Jemma Stapleton died at age 25 in a motorcycle accident during a family vacation in Thailand
- Authorities said inclement weather conditions may have been a factor in the tragedy
- "Her smile was so bright that wherever she went, you knew she was there,” Stapleton's brother said in a tribute
Sprinter Jemma Stapleton died in a motorcycle accident during a family vacation in Thailand. She was 25.
The incident occurred on the popular tourist destination of Koh Samui, Thailand's second-largest island, on Wednesday, June 10, the Bangkok Post,Thai Examiner and 7 News reported, citing local police.
Authorities said inclement weather conditions may have been a factor in the accident, as it was raining at the time of the crash, according to the Bangkok Post.
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Jemma Stapleton
Credit: Jemma Stapleton/Instagram
Police added, per the outlet, that Stapleton's family was riding behind her at the time of the incident.
The Surat Thani Provincial Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Saturday, June 13.
In a statement provided to the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC), Stapleton's younger brother, Joel Stapleton, called his late sister his “best friend.”
“I'm so lucky to have had her guiding me through my first 21 years," he said. "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,” continued the sibling. "I'm so grateful that I can call her my sister."
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Jemma Stapleton
Credit: Jemma Stapleton/Instagram
The Stawell Gift, Australia's most famous professional sprint race, and one of the world's oldest running events, mourned Stapleton's death in a statement shared on Facebook.
“Jemma was a talented athlete, a 2025 Powercor Women's Gift finalist and a much-valued member of the Stawell Gift family. Her passion for athletics and her beautiful spirit will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her,” the organization wrote.
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Jemma Stapleton
Credit: Kelly Defina/Getty
“Our thoughts are with Jemma's family, friends and the whole athletics community at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jemma,” it added.
The Victoria Athletic League also paid tribute to Stapleton, describing her as “a valued member of our community whose presence, character and contribution left a lasting impact on those around her,” in a social media post.
Stapleton, a Melbourne native, finished third in the 2025 Stawell Gift and made the final again this year.
A GoFundMe has since been established to help Stapleton's family navigate their “immeasurable grief.”
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming generosity and love that has poured in from so many of you,” Stapleton's family wrote in an update on the fundraising page.
“Jemma would have been absolutely overwhelmed to see her community come together in this way — it is a true reflection of the beautiful person she was,” they added.
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“The family are asking for privacy during this incredibly difficult time as they grieve and support one another. Contributions to this page are now closed. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts,” the family continued.
Stapleton had recently celebrated her birthday on June 1.
Read the original article on People
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