What started as a regular fitness class in Griffith, New South Wales, ended in heartbreak for one family and the wider community. On Monday, 11 November 2024, 42-year-old Lumepa Amiatu Laweloa, a devoted mother of four, collapsed unexpectedly during an F45 training session.
Despite swift action by her coaches and emergency responders, she tragically passed away later that morning in hospital.
Her sudden death has left her family, friends, and the Griffith community in shock, with efforts now underway to support her grieving husband and children.
A Morning That Took a Sudden Turn
Lumepa was participating in an early-morning F45 workout—a high-intensity group fitness program combining cardio and strength exercises—when tragedy struck.
According to Andy Gamble, the owner and coach of F45 Griffith, she collapsed suddenly during the session. Gamble and fellow coach Jess rushed to provide first aid, while other members called paramedics.
“This was very unexpected for everyone,” Gamble shared on a GoFundMe page he set up for her family. Despite their quick response and the efforts of emergency services, Lumepa could not be saved and was pronounced dead later that morning in hospital.
As reported by 7News, her death was described as “sudden and unexpected,” leaving her family no opportunity to say goodbye.
A Devoted and Loving Mother
Lumepa was a devoted mother and wife, leaving behind her husband Maika (Tuks) and their four children: Serenity (21), Jone (18), Maika Junior (15), and Sulita (10). That morning, she proudly spoke to her coach, Andy Gamble, about Serenity completing her final semester at Avondale College and her upcoming 21st birthday (Dec 4).
She had plans to take Jone to Sydney that weekend for his graduation tuxedo for his high school graduation on 22 November. She also eagerly anticipated Maika Junior’s football trials, and deeply cherished her youngest, Sulita, lovingly referred to as “her shadow.”
Dedicated Team Member
Beyond her family, Lumepa was a cornerstone of the Griffith community. She was a long-standing member of the Yenda Blueheelers Rugby League Football Club, where she played for over 15 years.
She captained the team to a premiership victory in 2017 and was part of this year’s championship-winning team.
Her club remembered her on their Facebook page as a “happy, positive person” who gave great advice to the younger girls and added, “gone but never forgotten.”
GoFundMe Launched to Help Lumepa’s Family
In the wake of this tragedy, the Griffith community has rallied to support Lumepa’s family. To provide practical assistance, Gamble launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with education costs and living expenses for the children.
“Any donation, no matter how big or small, would really make a huge difference,” Gamble wrote.
The fundraiser has already drawn support from across the community, with tributes pouring in from friends, teammates, and others who were touched by Lumepa’s warmth and dedication.
To contribute, donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign. Each contribution, no matter the size, provides vital support to a family navigating an unimaginable loss.
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