Australian athletics groups have honored 25-year-old Jemma Stapleton, a finalist for the 2025 Stawell Gift, after she passed away during a family vacation abroad.

Details surrounding her death remain private, yet a crowdfunding effort launched by her sibling noted that she lost her life suddenly in an unforeseen incident.

Messages of support from relatives and athletics clubs emerged on Thursday night, celebrating the achievements of the sprinter from Victoria.

A crowdfunding effort established to assist the Stapleton family stated: "It is with great sadness that our beautiful friends the Stapleton family are facing the unmeasurable grief while on a family holiday with the passing of their beautiful daughter, sister and partner Jemma."

Launched on Thursday, the crowdfunding effort has already surpassed its target of 100000 dollars.

"This GoFundMe has been set up (and approved by the family) 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," the webpage said.

Stapleton's partner Tyler Gray shared on Instagram: "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."

Her brother Joel posted a message on his Instagram account that read: "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."

Joel also shared the crowdfunding effort on his Instagram story, adding: "So grateful for you all."

Lysterfield junior football club issued a statement about the young athlete, highlighting that Stapleton's partner and brother belong to its community:

"While this news reaches us through those connections, today our thoughts are with Jemma, her family, friends and all those who loved her."

Stapleton ran for Knox Little Athletics during her youth. The group issued a statement noting her great skill, drive and "love for athletics".

"Her achievements on the track were a reflection of her dedication, competitive spirit and the joy she brought to the sport," it said.

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

"Our heartfelt thoughts, love and condolences are with Jemma's family, her partner Tyler, and all those who knew and loved her, as they face the unimaginable grief of losing a cherished daughter, sister, partner and friend."

The Victorian Athletic League issued a statement noting that Stapleton made a strong impression on those she met.

"Jemma was a valued member of our community whose presence, character and contribution left a lasting impact on those around her.

"On behalf of everyone at the Victorian Athletic League, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time," the league said.

The Rowville Netball club, where Stapleton once played, described the loss of someone so young as "unimaginable".

"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," the club said in an Instagram post.

A DFAT spokesperson confirmed it was "providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died overseas".

"We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time," they said.