
Former New Zealand international rugby star Jonah Lomu, one of the game's finest players ever, died unexpectedly in Auckland at the age of 40.
Since the news of Lomu's death broke, the entire country is mourning the death of the former All Blacks player.
Confirming the death reports, John Mayhew, former All Blacks doctor stated that on behalf of the Lomu family, he confirms that he is dead and the family is devastated, as are friends and acquaintances.
Lomu and his family had arrived back to New Zealand from the United Kingdom last night and he suddenly died this morning. He was suffering from health problems since his retirement in 2002 due to a rare kidney disease.
Expressing his condolences, New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key took to Twitter and wrote, "Deeply saddened to hear of Jonah Lomu's unexpected passing this morning. The thoughts of the entire country are with his family."
Deeply saddened to hear of Jonah Lomu's unexpected passing this morning. The thoughts of the entire country are with his family.
- John Key (@johnkeypm) November 18, 2015
Lomu played in 63 Tests for New Zealand after making his debut in 1994. He scored 37 tries and his physical, often brutal, running game regularly terrorised defences the world over.