All Blacks legend passes away
Rugby star Jonah Lomu passed away in Auckland on November 18 at the age of 40. Former All Blacks doctor, John Mayhew, confirmed the news on Wednesday morning.
“On behalf of the Lomu family, I can confirm that Jonah Lomu died this morning,” Mayhew said. “The family has requested privacy at this stage; they are obviously going through a terrible time.”
Lomu had been diagnosed with Nephrotic syndrome—a rare kidney disease in 2002. After his kidney transplant in 2004, Lomu suffered frequent health setbacks. He had been on dialysis treatment for the past 10 years.
Prime Minister John Key expressed his sadness at the unexpected passing of the rugby legend.
“Jonah Lomu was an inspirational athlete, who was generally regarded as the first true global superstar of rugby union,” Mr Key said. “He was a rare combination of size, speed and power, and was a game changer whenever he stepped onto the field.”
“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 Key added.
“I caught up with Jonah and his wife Nadene a few weeks ago in London during his Unstoppable charity tour. He was in great spirits and moved the audience with stories from his childhood through to his time as an All Black and the illness, which ultimately ended his rugby career.
“On behalf of all New Zealanders, I thank Jonah for his contribution to New Zealand.
“My thoughts are with Nadene and his family at this time.”
Mayor Len Brown expressed his sorrows: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with Jonah Lomu’s family at their time of loss. Jonah was one of Auckland’s greatest sons. He was an icon who New Zealanders from every walk of life respected both for his prowess on the rugby field and for the way that he dealt with his health issues.”
Auckland Council stated that it will work with the Lomu family, New Zealand Rugby and the government to consider how Auckland can best celebrate the life of Jonah Lomu and mourn his passing.
Jonah Lomu was born in Mangere in South Auckland. He made his debut at the age of 19 in 1994 in Christchurch in a match against France. He has since then made 63 appearances for the All Blacks, scoring 37 Test tries. Lomu was inducted into the International Rugby Hally of Fame in 2007 and the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011. He was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007 for his services to rugby.
Lomu is survived by his wife Nadene and two sons, Brayley, 6, and Dhyreille, 5.
Rugby star Jonah Lomu passed away in Auckland on November 18 at the age of 40. Former All Blacks doctor, John Mayhew, confirmed the news on Wednesday morning. “On behalf of the Lomu family, I can confirm that Jonah Lomu died this morning,” Mayhew said. “The family has requested privacy at this...
Rugby star Jonah Lomu passed away in Auckland on November 18 at the age of 40. Former All Blacks doctor, John Mayhew, confirmed the news on Wednesday morning.
“On behalf of the Lomu family, I can confirm that Jonah Lomu died this morning,” Mayhew said. “The family has requested privacy at this stage; they are obviously going through a terrible time.”
Lomu had been diagnosed with Nephrotic syndrome—a rare kidney disease in 2002. After his kidney transplant in 2004, Lomu suffered frequent health setbacks. He had been on dialysis treatment for the past 10 years.
Prime Minister John Key expressed his sadness at the unexpected passing of the rugby legend.
“Jonah Lomu was an inspirational athlete, who was generally regarded as the first true global superstar of rugby union,” Mr Key said. “He was a rare combination of size, speed and power, and was a game changer whenever he stepped onto the field.”
“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 Key added.
“I caught up with Jonah and his wife Nadene a few weeks ago in London during his Unstoppable charity tour. He was in great spirits and moved the audience with stories from his childhood through to his time as an All Black and the illness, which ultimately ended his rugby career.
“On behalf of all New Zealanders, I thank Jonah for his contribution to New Zealand.
“My thoughts are with Nadene and his family at this time.”
Mayor Len Brown expressed his sorrows: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with Jonah Lomu’s family at their time of loss. Jonah was one of Auckland’s greatest sons. He was an icon who New Zealanders from every walk of life respected both for his prowess on the rugby field and for the way that he dealt with his health issues.”
Auckland Council stated that it will work with the Lomu family, New Zealand Rugby and the government to consider how Auckland can best celebrate the life of Jonah Lomu and mourn his passing.
Jonah Lomu was born in Mangere in South Auckland. He made his debut at the age of 19 in 1994 in Christchurch in a match against France. He has since then made 63 appearances for the All Blacks, scoring 37 Test tries. Lomu was inducted into the International Rugby Hally of Fame in 2007 and the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011. He was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007 for his services to rugby.
Lomu is survived by his wife Nadene and two sons, Brayley, 6, and Dhyreille, 5.
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