One of New Zealand's finest rugby players has passed away aged 40. The All Blacks winger, who arrived in Aukland from overseas on Tuesday, passed away over night.
According to The Guardian, the 63 capped player "suffered from health problems since calling time on his playing career in 2002 due to a rare kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome. He underwent a kidney transplant in 2004 and had been on dialysis treatment for the past 10 years. Details of the exact cause of his death remain unclear."
One of the team's former doctors, John Mayhew, said: "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. It was totally unexpected."
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew added: “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 many fans both here and around the world. We’re lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah’s family."
Since the release of the sad news, tributes have been pouring in via Twitter.
Sir Graham Henry on Jonah Lomu: "It is just so sad, I saw him at the World Cup and he looked so well. It's just a hell of a shock." #RIPLomu
— nzherald (@nzherald) November 18, 2015
I still can't believe the sad news. Love & thoughts go out to Jonahs family #RIPJonah
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) November 18, 2015
NZR CEO Steve Tew: "....Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world."
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 18, 2015
RIP @JONAHTALILOMU You revolutionized Rugby. I will never forget your powerful plays from the wing. True great. #rugby #nz #Jonah
— Jenni Screen (@JenniScreen) November 18, 2015
I am so, so devastated to hear of the passing away of @JONAHTALILOMU The greatest superstar and just a fabulous human being. Deeply saddened
— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) November 18, 2015
I can't believe the legend Jonah has passed away! So so sad 😥 An inspiration & hero to everyone ever involved in rugby #RIPJONAH #JonahLomu
— Mike Brown (@mikebrown_15) November 18, 2015
1994 I was 11years old & saw my hero play for the All Blacks..A legend of the game & someone I wanted to be. #Jonah_Lomu #Can_Be_Only_One 11
— Cory Jane (@CoryJane1080) November 18, 2015
The one and only Jonah Lomu R.I.P.
— Zane Lowe (@zanelowe) November 18, 2015
Very sad news about Jonah Lomu passing away. He was a giant in sports, a giant in real life and such a lovely guy. A gentle giant.
— Jemaine Clement (@AJemaineClement) November 18, 2015
#RIPJonah pic.twitter.com/b72VujMNUG
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 18, 2015
Really awful news to wake up to this morning. Jonah was rugby's first real superstar. Thoughts are with his family.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) November 18, 2015
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