Jonah Lomu Passes Away RIP

"And while the game of rugby has lost a superstar, infinitely more tragic is the loss of a father and a husband.

In August, Lomu told the Daily Mail his goal was to be alive for his five- and six-year-old sons' 21st birthdays.

"There are no guarantees that will happen, but it's my focus. It's a milestone that every parent wants to get to," he said.

"My dad died young and that makes you think. I want my boys to be healthy and if they get to 21, they should be fit and healthy and live a normal life."

Tragically, he was unable to do so, losing his battle just over 20 years after shocking the world with his ability, leaving behind two sons and wife Nadene."

"Rugby legend Jonah Lomu, the game's first global superstar whose speed and power terrorised opponents, died unexpectedly on Wednesday aged 40, the player's family and New Zealand Rugby said.

Lomu, who for decades battled the kidney disease that ended his career, passed away suddenly at his Auckland home, family spokesperson John Mayhew said.

"I can confirm that Jonah Lomu died this morning... it was totally unexpected, Jonah and his family arrived back from the UK last night," Mayhew told TV3 before breaking down in tears.

NZR chief executive Steve Tew tweeted: "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."

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key also paid tribute, saying: "The thoughts of the entire country are with his family."

Lomu played 63 Tests on the wing for New Zealand from 1995 to 2002, scoring 37 tries.

He rose to stardom at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where his combination of speed and power stunned opponents.

At his peak, the 1.96m (six foot five inch) Lomu weighed 120kg and could cover 100m in 10.8 seconds.

He was diagnosed in late 1995 with the rare kidney disorder nephrotic syndrome , which eventually cut short his international career.  He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011, when rugby's governing body said he had left an indelible mark on the Rugby World Cup.

World Rugby chairperson Bernard Lapasset said in a 2013 documentary that Lomu revolutionised the sport at a key juncture when the game was turning professional.

"He was rugby's first professional star at a time when the sport needed media coverage and recognition from sponsors," he said.

"The conjunction of the way rugby was going pro and the way Jonah Lomu exploded on the scene was perfect for the game's future."

Lomu remained one of the world's most recognised rugby players and had been in Britain for promotional work linked to the recently completed World Cup.

He is survived by his wife Nadene and sons Brayley and Dhyreille".

"Difficult to write with eyes full of tears on my eye tracker. Thank you for EVERYTHING Jonah. RIP my dear friend!"

wow! Shocking news. 

Knew he had kidney problems but never expected this at his age.

May he rest in peace.

A once in a lifetime privilege to see. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfsDjm6xvAA

1. 1. Complementary and factual....not?
   
2. Factual with a hidden compliment. Boks and their fans knew Lomu was the real threat and singling out memories about stopping one man in a hard match is respect. The photo of Joost tackling Jonah was on the front page of my local paper yesterday.
   
3. A gentle jab at a fact that lots of bok supporters are proud of, being able to keep the mighty Jonah (and by extension Savea) from scoring. Followed by a bit of banter. 
4. He then follows that post with this one:

" The passing of Jonah is a reminder that we are all like the grass - here today and gone tomorrow. Any idea or feeling of permanency is an illusion.