SURAT THANI — Promising Australian athlete Jemma Stapleton has died following a road accident on Koh Samui while on holiday with her family in Thailand, according to Australian media reports and local police.
Stapleton, 25, was a well-known sprinter and a member of Doncaster Athletics Club in Melbourne. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from teammates, coaches and members of Australia’s athletics community.
Australian broadcaster 7NEWS reported that Stapleton had established herself as a rising talent in the sport and had competed in the prestigious Stawell Gift, one of Australia’s oldest and most renowned foot races.
Friends and coaches described her as a dedicated athlete who was widely admired within the athletics community. They told local media she had recently spoken about her future plans, including starting a family, buying a home and pursuing further sporting goals.
According to Bo Phut police, the accident occurred on Thawirat Phakdi Road in Bo Phut subdistrict on the afternoon of 10 June.
Investigators found a black motorcycle registered in Rayong parked near a bend in the road. Stapleton was identified as the rider. Two cars were also found at the scene — a grey sedan driven by a Thai woman and a black sedan driven by a Russian man.
Police said Stapleton was found dead beneath the front right wheel of one of the vehicles. A preliminary examination by doctors at Koh Samui Hospital found a severe head injury and multiple bruises on her body.
Officers have inspected the scene, collected evidence and questioned those involved as part of an ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash.
Australian media reported that Stapleton’s family, who had been travelling with her in Thailand, launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of repatriating her body. Friends, colleagues and supporters have contributed, reflecting the impact she had on those around her.
Following news of her death, athletes and members of Australia’s athletics community shared messages of condolence on social media, remembering Stapleton as a talented competitor and an inspiration to younger athletes.
Her death at the age of 25 has been described as a significant loss for Australian athletics.
