We are starting the day off with some very sad news today, as it has been reported that rugby and All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu passed away last night at the age of 40.
The news was confirmed in the early hours of this morning by representatives of New Zealand Rugby.
While the exact cause and circumstances of Lomu’s death have not yet been released, the sporting legend was known to have been living with a rare kidney disease called nephrotic syndrome. Having undergone a kidney transplant 11 years ago, Lomu had been on dialysis since 2005.
#RIPJonah pic.twitter.com/b72VujMNUG
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 18, 2015
Paying tribute to Lomu this morning, New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew said in a statement: “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.”
The news of Lomu’s passing has clearly shaken the sporting world, with a number of high-profile stars paying tribute to him.
English rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson led the messages of condolences, tweeting: “I am so, so devastated to hear of the passing away of Jonah Lomu, the greatest superstar and just a fabulous human being. Deeply saddened.”
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
The official All Blacks account, meanwhile, shared a poignant shot of Jonah in action on the pitch.
Jonah was thrice married and was a father to two sons: six-year-old Brayley and five-year-old Dhyreille. In an interview back in August of this year, he admitted that his “goal” was to pull through his health battle and make it to his sons’ 21sts.
Our thoughts are with the family at this most tragic time.
