All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu dies aged 40

[webfact]

All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu dies aged 40

All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu has reportedly died, aged 40.

Lomu battled kidney disorders since the end of 1995 when he was diagnosed with nephritic syndrome. He had a kidney transplant in 2004.

Lomu had health setbacks since then and had been receiving dialysis treatments during his recent visit to Britain where he was involved in heavy promotional work during the Rugby World Cup.

Full story: http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/74160034/all-blacks-legend-jonah-lomu-dies--report

-- Stuff 2015-11-18

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NZ Rugby Union says All Blacks great Jonah Lomu dies aged 40
STEVE McMORRAN, AP Sports Writer

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The New Zealand Rugby Union says All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu died early Wednesday in Auckland. He was 40.

Lomu, who played 63 tests for New Zealand, had recently visited Britain with his family during the Rugby World Cup.

Lomu scored 43 tries for the All Blacks before having to retire from the in 2002 because of Nephrotic syndrome, a rare kidney disease.

The blockbusting winger, who made his test debut in 1994 against France, had a health scare in 2011, seven years after a kidney transplant.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said: "Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world."


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-11-18

[colinneil]

R.I.P. What a tragic loss.

On the rugby field he was more like a bulldozer than a man.

[stevemcqueen]

RIP

Awesome doesn't come close to describing him

[Mosha]

A massive shock. RIP.

[samran]

RIP

Awesome doesn't come close to describing him

Magical might be a bit more apt...

[freebyrd]

No rhyme or reason, particularly when it's someone who was the epitome of a young, healthy and strong human being.

[Jonathan Fairfield]

What a shock.

RIP

[Seastallion]

Even when he played against England, the English adored him (and good sports for that).

I've met him, and he was such a nice quiet unassuming bloke.

RIP

[Opl]

R.I.P, beautiful soul - shooting star

[Andaman Al]

Shocking. Unbelievable. NZ will be grieving.

[z42]

Frighteningly good in his prime. It is unlikely there will ever be a player who strikes such fear into opposition players again.

RIP. Thoughts to his family, friends, and former teammates

[Jip99]

R. I. P. Jonah

[nottocus]

What a sad loss. Thoughts go out to his wife and two young sons who knew him as Dad and not as Jonah

[tigermoth]

As a fellow kiwi I am shocked and deeply sadened. Condolences to his family and to my country to whom he was so revered by.

[than]

The best player of all Time

RIP.......

[dhream]

I can think of a few hundred thousand public figures I'd rather have seen in his place today. What a universal injustice. R.I.P big fella.

[khunken]

AS a rugby player he had everything - what a pity his health cut his career short.

A pleasure to watch even when he destroyed my team. RIP Jonah

[Broken Record]

Shocker.

[JHolmesJr]

That is sad news.

[Lopchan]

R.I. P. Mr Lomu

[Andaman Al]

At peak Jonah, at 6ft 5 and 18 stones was able to run with the ball and do a 10.8 second 100 meters - this is up at Olympian standards. Some of the worlds greatest players used to bounce of him like rag dolls when they tried to take him down, and if they did get a hold of him he would just carry on running until they dropped off. Life is so cruel when people who aspire to greatness are taken down by crippling illnesses they have no control over.

[jimmybkk]

Very saddened by this news. A fantastic player. Unstoppable in his prime. RIP Jonah.

[Seastallion]

Of course, NZ social media is flooded with Jonah stuff. This particular photo from his high school says a lot.

Who in history exceled in sprints (running speed), throwing stuff (shot, discus and javelin), high jump, AND long jump?