Rising Australian athletics star Jemma Stapleton’s cause of death has been revealed just days after tributes poured in for the 25-year-old Melbourne sprinter.
Stapleton was on holiday with her family when she died in an accident due to her motorcycle sliding into oncoming traffic on wet roads, according to Thailand authorities.
Thailand media has reported police are reviewing the circumstances that led to her death.
According to local news outlet, The Nation, Stapleton and her family were riding motorcycles on a highway at Koh Samui. The young sprinter was riding ahead of her family when her motorcycle slipped on a wet section of road and into oncoming traffic.
Two other cars, one driven by a Russian man and another by a Thai woman were stopped at the scene, but no charges have been reported.
The young sprinter placed third in last year’s Stawell Gift final, Australia’s prestigious short-distance sprint competition.
Stapleton’s younger brother has shared a statement, saying their family is “devastated by this imaginable loss”.
“I was so incredibly lucky to have her as my sister and to have her guiding me through life,” Joel told 9News.
“She had a heart of gold, always putting others before herself, and her kindness touched everyone who knew her.
“Her smile was infectious and could brighten even the darkest day.”
He added that his sister’s death has left a “hole in my heart” and thanked the community for their support and love following the accident.
“Every message, tribute, donation and act of kindness has reminded us of just how many lives she touched,” Joel said.
“She was deeply loved and she will be deeply missed. I will carry her with me for the rest of my life.”
An online fundraiser was set up on behalf of her family following the accident, and has exceeded the $100k target.
Image: Instagram
