The circumstances of the death of Australian sprinter Jemma Stapleton have been revealed after she was involved in a tragic accident while vacationing with her family in Thailand.
Thai police said that Stapleton lost control while riding a scooter on the island of Koh Samui last week, according to the Herald Sun. She was 25.
Stapleton collided with another vehicle on the other side of the road as her family was traveling behind her in separate vehicles.
Authorities revealed it was slippery on the night of the accident, arguing that the conditions may have played a role in Stapleton’s death.
Stapleton’s boyfriend, Tyler Gray, issued a statement about his late partner, emotionally detailing the plans the couple had.
“She was my high school sweetheart and quickly became the girl I was planning the rest of my life with,” Gray told the Herald Sun.
In a separate social media post, Gray wrote, “I can’t put into words the hurt I am feeling.”
Jemma Stapleton Courtesy of Jemma Stapleton/Instagram
“You are the single greatest thing to happen to me and I am so grateful for the love we shared,” he said. “I love you with all my heart and I will never stop.”
Stapleton’s brother Joel also remembered his late sister with a touching post via social media.
“Rest in peace, I love you so much,” he wrote. “I promise I’ll make you proud. You were the best sister and my best friend. I’ll forever miss you. Rest easy.”
A rising star in the world of Australian sprinting, the Victorian Athletic League said Stapleton’s “presence, character and contribution left a lasting impact on those around her.”
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A GoFundMe was set up in Stapleton’s honor after her death, hoping to “help ease a bit of pressure financially for the family so they can grieve together and spend as much time together as possible to get through and navigate this impossible loss.”
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming generosity and love that has poured in from so many of you,” the fundraiser’s organizers wrote on Friday, June 12. “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.”
The GoFundMe added, “The family are asking for privacy during this incredibly difficult time as they grieve and support one another.”
The fundraiser has raised over $103,000 at the time of publication.
