F45 tragedy: Woman dies after collapsing in class

A much-loved mother has tragically died after falling ill during an F45 fitness class in the New South Wales town of Griffith on Monday, November 11.

Lumepa, a mother of four, suddenly collapsed during a session, said her close friend and F45 Griffith owner and coach, Andy Gamble.

“This was very unexpected for all present as members helped with their quick response when I noticed Lumepa was on the floor and we knew it did not look or feel right,” Mr Gamble wrote on the GoFundMe he set it up for Lumepa’s family.

“I feel it’s only right that I do my best to help support her family while I was coaching the F45 class… when Lumepa suddenly collapsed.

“The paramedics were called as Jess and I did our best to keep Lumepa’s chances of survival as high as possible,” he said.

‘She was then taken to hospital where she sadly died.’

Mr Gamble said the money raised would help Lumepa’s family ‘get through this difficult time with her children’s education and all the other costs that life brings’.

He said Lumepa’s death was so sudden and unexpected that “she never had the chance to say goodbye to her four children and loving husband Maika Laweloa and other family members.”

Lumepa (pictured left) suddenly collapsed during a session, said her close friend and F45 Griffith owner and coach, Andy Gamble.

Paramedics were called and took Lumepa to a local hospital, but were unable to save her

Lumepa was a star player for Yenda rugby club for more than 15 years, including captaining the Prime Minister’s winning side in 2017 and part of this year’s winning side.

Her love for her family shone through until the very end, Mr. Gamble said.

“These are some of the things Lumepa talked to me about the morning of class, so I think it’s important to mention them to also show her children how even at 5:15 she was always on her mind .

“Some of her last words told me how proud she was of her children,” he said.

She talked about Serenity’s 21st birthday on December 4 and how she was studying at Avondale College and finishing her last semester on the day Lumepa died.

Jone, 18, will soon graduate from Year 12 at Murrumbidgee High School and had planned to drive to Sydney this weekend to buy a tuxedo for the ceremony.

She also talked about Maika Junior (Nia), her 15-year-old who is devoted to football, and how she planned to take him to court.

And she spoke proudly of Sulita, 10, “the baby of the family and Lumepa’s shadow.” said Mr. Griffith.

The F45 owner said: ‘Any donation would be hugely appreciated at this time to help support the family.

‘I know it’s difficult to find extra money to donate and I completely understand if people can’t, but any donation, no matter how big or small, would really make a huge difference.’

He ended with the words ‘rest in peace Lumepa, you will be sadly missed.’