Jaimi’s mother Lisa also broke her silence following the tragic news, posting a heartbreaking tribute to her daughter on Instagram this morning.
“Our hearts are completely broken. Our beautiful daughter Jaimi has lost her battle with a long-term illness and passed away peacefully in hospital yesterday morning with her loving family by her side,” Lisa revealed, alongside a lovely photo of the pair.
“So loved. So beautiful. So kind to everyone.... So painful. I can barely breathe.
“I will miss you every sunrise, I will miss you when the sun is shining and the birds are singing. I will miss you when the clouds are dark and stormy and when the rainbow appears. I will miss you when I close my eyes. I will miss you when I open my eyes. I will miss our long hugs and long chats.
“I just can’t believe you’re not here anymore. I sit and just shake my head. It doesn’t seem real or right. You will forever be with me in my heart Jaimi. I love you so much.”
Lisa’s husband Mark Tabone, whom she married in 2018, also penned his own tribute to his step-daughter.
“As the tears flow and the heart aches, I write this as a tribute to a beautiful young lady, who’s life ended way too soon,” Mark wrote.
“As your mother & father weep your loss, I too feel lost and heavy hearted. Nobody should ever lose their child.
“My job now is to nurture my wife through this unimaginable time.”
There has been an outpouring of grief from both fans and the family’s celebrity friends following the shock news.
Thousands have taken to social media to express their condolences, including TV stars Patti Newton, Amanda Keller, Dr Chris Brown, Magda Szubanski, Angie Kent and Home And Away star Lynne McGranger, as well as reality star Keira Maguire and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
Lisa and Grant became one of Australia’s most popular sporting couples after tying the knot in 1986.
They welcomed three children together - Jaimi, another daughter Morgan, who is just weeks away from giving birth to her second child, and Jett.
Lisa and Grant separated in 2009 and officially finalised their divorce in 2017.
Grant shares a daughter, Trixie Box, seven, with radio star Fifi Box.
