Tributes flow in for Jonah Lomu
He was 40 years old.
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Hawke’s Bay
All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu has died in Auckland today, aged 40.
Former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew confirmed Mr Lomu died unexpectedly from a heart attack yesterday morning.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said in a Twitter statement he was shocked at the news.
"We're all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu," he said.
"We're lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah's family.
"Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world."
Prime Minister John Key says Mr Lomu was regarded as the first "true global superstar" of rugby.
He says Mr Lomu and his wife, Nadene, were in great spirits when he saw them a few weeks ago and he was saddened by Mr Lomu's unexpected death.
"Jonah was not only a great ambassador for rugby union, he was a great ambassador for New Zealand, and he made a significant contribution to the community through his support of numerous charities."
Mr Lomu was recently in the UK doing promotional work for the Rugby World Cup.
The powerful winger scored 43 tries in 73 appearances for the All Blacks, after making his debut in 1994 against France.
Mr Lomu’s career ended in 2002 due to his battle with a rare kidney disease called Nephrotic Syndrome, which he was diagnosed with in 1995.
He had a kidney transplant in 2004 but had continuing health problems.
Sky TV [NZX:SKT] has announced it will screen a selection of his famous matches, as well as a documentary, on a special pop-up channel until next Monday morning.
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Staff Reporter
Wed, 18 Nov 2015
Wed, 18 Nov 2015
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Tributes flow in for Jonah Lomu
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