Published: Nov 18, 2015, 11:34 AM (IST)
Edited: Nov 18, 2015, 03:59 PM (IST)
All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu passed away on Wednesday after a long battle with kidney disease. Lomu was only 40 and the All Blacks team doctor said it was an unexpected death. He was on the waiting list for a second kidney transplant after the first one failed in 2011. Lomu was the star for New Zealand in the 1995 World Cup and played 63 Tests for the country. Lomu’s successful career was cut short by kidney disease but he remained inspirational for sports lovers across the globe.
Lomu was a winger for All Blacks and despite his massive size; he was renowned for his agility and he could run 100m in 10.8 seconds. He is regarded as one of the greatest wingers to have played the sport. On November 14, after the deadly terror attacks in Paris, Lomu had put up a post on Facebook:
Our Hearts go out to the people of Paris Sois fort my friends. From the lomu family .
Posted by Jonah Lomu on Friday, 13 November 2015
The cricket world, from which many looked up to Lomu and were his fans, took to Twitter to express their grief and shock over the rugby legend’s sudden death.
RIP Great Man pic.twitter.com/jdjC2yv5GU
— Adam Hollioake (@adamhollioake) November 18, 2015
RIP JONAH a true legend of the game #respect salute… Live on Big Man
— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) November 18, 2015
Such a sad day for world rugby with the passing of Jonah Lomu, he lit up the rugby world, a true sporting superstar!#RIPJonah
— Neil Fairbrother (@Harv366) November 18, 2015
What sad news. He attracted many to the code of rugby union. The World Cup in 95 was his playground. #RIPJonah pic.twitter.com/eL7uhqrxAY
— Mike Haysman (@MikeHaysman) November 18, 2015
Woke up to sad news that the legend Jonah Lomu passed away. One of the Greats. RIP
— Phil Tufnell (@philtufnell) November 18, 2015
So Sad ….. #ripjonah https://t.co/H4Wry0Pbji — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 18, 2015
RIP Jona Lomu. A hero, a legend, an icon and an inspiration to so many who now play the game! He shall be missed! pic.twitter.com/6NZZxrVMTz
— Jonathan Bairstow (@jbairstow21) November 18, 2015
RIP Jonah Loma. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. #RIPJonahLomu — David Miller (@DavidMillerSA12) November 18, 2015
What a man,what a sensational rugby player he was!! #RIPJonahLomu
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) November 18, 2015
Sad news 2 wake up to #legend Jonah Lomu has passed away age 40, my thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends @ this time #RIPJonah — Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) November 18, 2015
It’s been a sad day for New Zealand. Losing one of the county’s legends is never easy. I was lucky… https://t.co/xfEcOVKvrM
— Martin Guptill (@Martyguptill) November 18, 2015
#RIP to one of the greats #JonahLomu — Kyle Jarvis (@KyleJarv89) November 18, 2015
Seriously an awesome player that change rugby!!#RIPJonah
— Roelof van der Merwe (@Roela52) November 18, 2015
#RIPJonahLomu #Legend https://t.co/tOLZVc1BB4 — JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) November 18, 2015
— Alfonso Thomas (@alfonsothomas) November 18, 2015
#RIPJonahLomu — Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) November 18, 2015
Not in any way shape or form original but seems appropriate today #RIPJonahlomu pic.twitter.com/lsd7CWSWqg
— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) November 18, 2015
Such sad news about the passing of Jonah Lomu.Such great memories as a kid watching him play.True legend! #RIPJonah pic.twitter.com/0l8Y7Ew3Wz — Brendan Taylor (@BrendanTaylor86) November 18, 2015
What a tragic passing of a legend and an icon. #The gentle giant. Rest in peace jonah lomu.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) November 18, 2015
R.I.P Jonah Lomu. Absolute legend. #lomu — Davy Jacobs (@davyjacobs82) November 18, 2015
Sad we didn’t get to meet up.. R.I.P brother. https://t.co/SQmRsQULQj
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) November 18, 2015
#RIPJonahLomu #Legend — andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) November 18, 2015
What an absolute legend! RIP #lomulegend https://t.co/8oX2VjyGjm
— Robin John Peterson (@robbie13flair) November 18, 2015
Extremely sad news about Jonah Lomu. He was the only reason I watched union as a kid. What a legacy he has left. #champion — Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) November 18, 2015
Saddened to hear of the death of Jonha Lomu he inspired many & made the game exhilarating for us all. #RIP @AllBlacks
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) November 18, 2015
So sad to hear about Jonah. A genuine legend both on and off the park. Thoughts are with your family and friends. #RIPJonahLomu — Ross Taylor (@RossLTaylor) November 18, 2015
So sad to hear the death of Jonha Lomu. Thoughts are with his family. Thank you for all the memories! @AllBlacks
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) November 18, 2015
Very sad and well said mate.. Was true champion of the game https://t.co/LLg7txnsNo — Damien Martyn (@damienmartyn) November 18, 2015
Genuinely gutted on hearing the LOMU news #revolutinisedrugby
— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) November 18, 2015
Sad day!! RIP Jonah Lomu!!! What a legend! Loved everything about him!! — Neil Wagner (@NeilWagner13) November 18, 2015
Oh Dear… Soo sad to hear the passing of Jonah Lomu !!! At a loss for words really.. RIP Jonah !!!
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) November 18, 2015
Rest in peace @JONAHTALILOMU taken far too young! An absolutely legend on and off the field and a huge inspiration to all #JonahLomu — Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) November 18, 2015
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