Jonah Lomu’s Death Shocks All Blacks Fans

News of Jonah Lomu’s death at age 40 has shocked and saddened All Blacks fans. He is currently being mourned by rugby enthusiasts across the globe.

In sad rugby news, All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu passed away unexpectedly overnight on November 18. The exact cause of death of the former winger—who was both feared and admired by his opponents for his brutal playing style and massive physique—remains unclear. However, it is believed to be related to his rare kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, which ended his career in 2002. He’d been on dialysis since undergoing a kidney transplant in 2004.

Lomu’s death marks the end of an All Blacks legend and international star. Lomu had a tough upbringing in South Auckland but escaped it to become one of the best athletes that online sportsbooks in NZ had ever seen, and an inspiration to young people of Pacific Island heritage in similar circumstances. He’d played in 63 Tests and scored 37 tries for NZ since making his debut in 1994 at the age of 19. His effort at the 1995 World Cup—in which he unveiled his ferocious running game—was recently voted the best in RWC history, and is credited with helping rugby first attract a global audience.

Since ending his career he’d gone on to become an ambassador for Unicef NZ in 2001, and a patron of the charity Kidney Kids NZ. Following the news of Lomu’s death, NZ prime minister John Key issued a statement saying he was “deeply saddened to hear of Jonah Lomu’s unexpected passing,” and that “the thoughts of the entire country are with his family.”

Jonah Lomu’s death was unexpected, is being widely mourned

Previous to this tragedy Lomu had attended the Rugby World Cup in the UK, where he’d done promotional work. He appeared in good health, according to NZ gambling news and All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry, who said he’d seen him at the RWC and that he “looked so well.” Lomu had since gone on a holiday to Dubai with his family, arriving in Auckland on Tuesday.

Everything seemed fine, which made Lomu’s death “totally unexpected,” according to former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew. He added that: “The family are obviously devastated, as are friends and acquaintances. The family have requested privacy at this stage, they are obviously going through a terrible time.”

NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Tew shared similar sentiments regarding Lomu’s death, saying: “We’re all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu. Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his fans both here and around the world. We’re lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah’s family.”