Jonah Lomu likely died from a blood clot that formed during a long-haul flight, one of his medics has said, as plans were unveiled to honour the legendary winger with a public memorial.
Former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew, who helped treat Lomu's chronic kidney disease, said on Monday a flight-related clot was the most likely explanation for his shock death in Auckland, New Zealand, last week, aged 40.
Mayhew, a close family friend who announced the star's death to the world, said Lomu's kidney disease made him vulnerable to such a scenario.
The player had just returned to Auckland after seeing his beloved All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup in Britain, a marathon flight, even with a stopover in Dubai.
'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.'
He said Lomu, an electrifying talent who became the game's first global superstar, would not have known what hit him.
Pictured in 1995, Lomu breaks the tackle of England's captain and centre Will Carling Jonah Lomu's family express their thanks for tributes
'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 in people with chronic renal conditions.'
The US Center for Disease Control advises on its website that long-distance air travel can increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (a blood clot in the vein) by two-to-four times, more if there are pre-existing conditions.
Many airlines advise passengers to walk around the flight cabin or wear compression stockings to help prevent clots forming.
Lomu's passing has prompted tributes from not only from the rugby world but also Hollywood celebrities, charities and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.
Such has been the outpouring of grief in New Zealand that authorities said Monday they had decided to hold a public 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.
'This service will be open to all members of the public who want to remember the significant contribution Jonah made, not only to rugby here and overseas, but also to the wider community through his work with charities.'
The memorial service will be followed by a private funeral the next day, December 1.
On Sunday evening, hundreds of mourners filled a church in Auckland and spilled out into the grounds at an emotional public memorial for Lomu.
Tongan leaders, community members and friends and family gathered at the Lotofalei'a Tongan Methodist Church in Auckland, New Zealand, to celebrate the life of the All Black hero.
The ceremony kicked off with some stirring speeches before a candle lighting ceremony which saw members of Lomu's family lit 40 candles, one for each year of his life.
Prime Minister John Key offered a touching tribute to Lomu in a statement which was read out at the public service.
'He taught us to reach for the stars, dream big and strive for excellence. Through his love and passion for the game he created opportunities for everyone around the world.
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