Australian athlete Jemma Stapleton has died in a road accident while on a family holiday in Thailand, after the motorcycle she was travelling on lost control in heavy rain and crashed into a car.
Stapleton, a former junior athletics champion who placed third at the 2025 Stawell Gift, died just two weeks after celebrating her 25th birthday.
According to local reports, the crash happened on Wednesday afternoon near her hotel on Koh Samui. Stapleton was riding on a rain-slicked road when the motorcycle collided with a black Subaru.
Investigators said the wet surface was a contributing factor in the accident, the Bangkok Post reported.
CCTV footage reportedly captured the moment the motorcycle lost traction and toppled onto its side before sliding into the opposite lane, where it struck the oncoming vehicle.
Police said the Subaru was being driven by a 38-year-old Russian man.
Ms Stapleton was thrown more than 20m along the road and suffered severe head injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her family had been riding behind her, police said.
Victorian athlete Jemma Stapleton died in a tragic motorcycle accident in Thailand last week
A memorial was set up by Ms Stapleton’s employer, childcare centre Kool Kidz Rowville
Local media reports she was travelling on a slippery road near her hotel in Koh Samui
A GoFundMe campaign set up on behalf of the family has raised more than $103,000 to help bring her body home. It has now been closed.
‘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 said.
Ms Stapleton’s partner Tyler wrote an emotional message on social media.
‘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,’ he said.
Her brother Joel said: ‘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.’
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the family.
Her death prompted tributes from the athletics world, with her former coach Mark Thomas describing his shock upon learning the news.
She suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene
Kool Kidz Rowville said Ms Stapleton will always be a cherished part of the community
‘I was shocked when told of the passing of Jemma tonight and couldn’t really believe it,’ he wrote.
The Victorian Athletic League posted on social media, describing Ms Stapleton as a ‘valued member of our community’.
Athletics Australia also remembered Ms Stapleton for her performance on and off the track.
‘Jemma was a beautiful, bright and warm personality who was always smiling,’ it said in a tribute.
‘Her presence lifted every environment she stepped into, and it was a genuine pleasure to have known her.’
Ms Stapleton was a childcare worker at Kool Kidz Rowville, where a memorial has been installed to celebrate her life.
‘Community is at the heart of everything we do, and some individuals leave an imprint on our hearts that stays with us forever. Jemma Stapleton was truly one of those beautiful souls,’ the centre said in a social media post.
‘This will be a special, peaceful place where her memory can live on, and where our educators, children, and families can pause, reflect, and remember the warmth she shared with us all.
‘Jemma will always be a cherished part of our Kool Kidz Rowville family.’
