Mom-of-4 dies after collapsing during popular workout class: ‘Sadly missed’

A mother has died after she unexpectedly collapsed during an F45 class in NSW’s northwestern Riverina region.

Lumepa Amiatu Laweloa collapsed during the workout class in Griffith on Monday, with F45 coach Andrew Gamble – a close friend of Laweloa – confirming the news through a GoFundMe page.

“This was very unexpected to all who were in attendance, as members helped with their quick response as I noticed Lumepa was on the floor which we knew didn’t look or feel right,” Gamble wrote.

“The paramedics were called whilst Jess and myself tried our best to keep Lumepa’s chances of survival as high as possible.”

Laweloa died in hospital, Gamble said.

“Lumepa sadly lost her life on Monday morning so suddenly and unexpectedly, she never had a chance to say goodbye to her 4 children and loving husband,” he wrote.

Gamble said the mother of four “always” had her children on her mind, even at 5.40am.

Her daughter is set to turn 21 in less than a month, while her 18-year-old son is about to graduate from high school next week.

Laweloa is also survived by her other 15-year-old and 10-year-old children.

She played rugby league for more than 15 years, with the Yenda Blueheelers Rugby League Football Club describing her as a “happy, positive person”.

“Mepa was a valuable player with Yenda League tag for many years and was always such a happy positive person who always got around the younger girls with great advice,” the post read.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mepa’s husband … her beautiful children, her mother … and her siblings.

“Rest in peace Meps gone but never forgotten.”

Gamble urged people to donate to the fundraiser to support Laweloa’s family.

“I know spare cash is hard to come by to donate and I fully understand if people can’t but any donation no matter how big or small would really make a huge difference,” he said.

Gamble said he felt “it’s only right (he does his) best to try and help support her family as (he) was coaching the F45 class on Monday”.

“Rest in peace Lumepa you will be sadly missed,” he wrote.