Flight may have led to Lomu’s death
by Agency Staff,
2015-11-24 05:55:13.0
WELLINGTON — Jonah Lomu probably died from a blood clot that formed during a long-haul flight to New Zealand, his doctor said on Monday, as plans were unveiled to honour the rugby great with a public memorial.
Former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew, who helped treat Lomu’s chronic kidney disease, said a flight-related clot was the most likely explanation for his shock death in Auckland last week at the age of 40.
Mayhew, a close family friend who announced the star’s death, said that Lomu’s kidney disease had made him vulnerable to such a scenario.
The player had just returned to Auckland after seeing the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup in Britain.
The marathon flight from London included a stopover.
"He returned from the UK via Dubai and appeared to be in good health before he died," Mayhew told the BBC.
"We think the most likely cause was a clot on the lung which can be a complication of long-distance travel. Jonah was at greater risk of that happening because of his renal condition."
Mayhew said Lomu, an electrifying talent who became the game’s first global superstar, would not have known what hit him. "I think it was instantaneous. He was unaware of what had happened," he said.
"It’s just one of those tragic complications that can occur with chronic renal conditions."
Lomu’s passing prompted tributes not only from the rugby world, but also Hollywood celebrities, charities and Britain’s Queen Elizabeth.
Such has been the outpouring of grief in New Zealand that authorities said on Monday they had decided to hold a memorial service at the 50,000-capacity Eden Park stadium in Auckland. Prime Minister John Key said large numbers of people wanted to pay their respects at the November 30 service.
"Jonah touched people’s lives across the country and around the world," he said.
AFP
GIANT: Jonah Lomu was rugby’s first global superstar. Picture: REUTERS/BOBBY YIP
WELLINGTON — Jonah Lomu probably died from a blood clot that formed during a long-haul flight to New Zealand, his doctor said on Monday, as plans were unveiled to honour the rugby great with a public memorial.
Former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew, who helped treat Lomu’s chronic kidney disease, said a flight-related clot was the most likely explanation for his shock death in Auckland last week at the age of 40.
Mayhew, a close family friend who announced the star’s death, said that Lomu’s kidney disease had made him vulnerable to such a scenario.
The player had just returned to Auckland after seeing the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup in Britain.
The marathon flight from London included a stopover.
"He returned from the UK via Dubai and appeared to be in good health before he died," Mayhew told the BBC.
"We think the most likely cause was a clot on the lung which can be a complication of long-distance travel. Jonah was at greater risk of that happening because of his renal condition."
Mayhew said Lomu, an electrifying talent who became the game’s first global superstar, would not have known what hit him. "I think it was instantaneous. He was unaware of what had happened," he said.
"It’s just one of those tragic complications that can occur with chronic renal conditions."
Lomu’s passing prompted tributes not only from the rugby world, but also Hollywood celebrities, charities and Britain’s Queen Elizabeth.
Such has been the outpouring of grief in New Zealand that authorities said on Monday they had decided to hold a memorial service at the 50,000-capacity Eden Park stadium in Auckland. Prime Minister John Key said large numbers of people wanted to pay their respects at the November 30 service.
"Jonah touched people’s lives across the country and around the world," he said.
AFP
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