The Victorian athletics community is in mourning after former Stawell Gift finalist Jemma Stapleton died on a family holiday in Thailand.

The former Knox junior finished third in the 2025 edition of the famous Easter Monday classic.

Stapleton, pushing for a professional running career having initially moved into full-time work after school, had beaten 2022 winner and Australian representative Carla Bull as a frontrunner in the semi-finals.

“Wonderful race by Jemma Stapleton,” Tamsyn Manou said in commentary on the day.

“For Jemma the biggest battle was with her nerves before that one. She writes ‘believe’ on her hand after reading Sally Pearson’s book — and she certainly did believe.”

After her third-place result in the final Stapleton, a regular on the Victorian Athletic League’s Gift circuit, returned to Stawell in 2026 and made it to another semi-final.

The circumstances and a cause of death have not been released. A family friend said the 25-year-old “tragically lost her life in an accident while overseas with her family”.

Stapleton’s family and sporting clubs led tributes on Thursday night.

Knox Little Athletics said it was “deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Jemma Stapleton while overseas on a family holiday”.

“Jemma was a valued member of the Knox Little Athletics community, competing as a Little Athlete with the Rowville Club,” the organisation said.

“From an early age, she showed great talent, determination, and a genuine love for athletics, achieving success at the Knox Championship level and later representing Knox at the state level.

“Many within our centre will remember Jemma and the Stapleton family with great fondness.

“On behalf of everyone at Knox Little Athletics, we extend our deepest condolences to Jemma’s family, her partner Tyler, her friends, and all those who loved her during this incredibly difficult time.

“Rest in peace, Jemma.”

The Victorian Athletic League remembered Stapleton as a rising star “whose presence, character and contribution left a lasting impact on those around her”.

Stapleton’s partner Tyler said: “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.”

Rowville Netball Club said “the loss of someone so young is simply unimaginable”.

“There are no words that can truly ease the pain being felt by those who loved her,” the club said.

“On behalf of everyone at Rowville Netball Club, we extend our deepest condolences to the Stapleton family during this incredibly difficult time.

“We hope they can find comfort in the love and support surrounding them and in the many memories shared with Jemma.

“Jemma will always be remembered as part of our Rowville Netball Club family, and our thoughts are with all who are grieving this tragic loss.

“Rest peacefully, Jemma.”

Athletics coach Scott Rowsell paid tribute after learning of her “tragic and sudden passing”.

“Jemma was a beautiful, bright and warm personality who was always smiling,” he wrote.

“Her presence lifted every environment she stepped into, and it was a genuine pleasure to have known her.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family as they navigate this devastating loss. R.I.P Angel.”

Channel 7 commentator and 1993 Stawell Gift winner Jason Richardson, reposting Stapleton’s semi-final win at the 2025 Stawell Gift, said she is “gone but not forgotten”.

“Remembering a special moment in the career of Jemma Stapleton,” he said.

“Love to her family and close friends in this tragic time. RIP.”

An online fundraiser has been established to “help the Stapleton family to bring her home”.

It raised more than $57,000 in under six hours on Thursday night and is close to its $100,000 goal on Friday.