Tributes are flowing for Tania Dalton, a champion netballer and mother-of-three who died peacefully in Auckland on Wednesday.
The 45-year-old had been in a critical condition since suffering a brain aneurysm during a social game of touch rugby last week, according to the ABC.
Dalton was surrounded by family and friends when her life support was switched off.
The former Silver Fern had an 11-year international career in netball before retiring in 2007 after which she continued as a commentator.
The shooter played 12 Tests in the black dress and was a member of the victorious gold medal winning team from Netball World Cup 2003.
Dalton was also loving mother to three children, Tayla, Charlie and Matthew, with her husband Duane.
Many in the netball community have shared their sadness at losing the fun-loving mum and expressed their sympathies to her family.
"She was just a much-loved person and will be dearly, dearly missed in the netball community and in many other communities — she was involved in everything,” former national team manager Sheryl Wells told news.com.au.
“She was a Pied Piper, like a gatherer of people. Whenever you saw Tania, there were always a group of people around her, usually laughing, because she was so much fun and had a gift of making everyone feel special.”
Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie said many were shocked by the tragic news.
“On behalf of the Netball community, we extend our deepest sympathies to Duane (Tania’s husband) and their family at this extremely difficult time,” she said in a statement.
“Tania was a true competitor on the court who showed a passion and love for the game. She was respected by team-mates and opponents across world Netball and was much-loved off the court.
“She will always be in our hearts.”
