28 Feb 2017

Life support for Tania Dalton switched off

5:44 pm on 28 February 2017
Tania Dalton in action for the Silver Ferns.

Tania Dalton in action for the Silver Ferns. Photo: Photosport

The life support for former Silver Fern Tania Dalton has been turned off.

Dalton collapsed after suffering a ruptured aneurysm five days ago while playing touch rugby in Auckland.

A statement from her family said life support was turned off just before 1.30pm this afternoon.

Her family is by her side at Auckland hospital, with Dalton described as being peaceful.

Test results showed the ruptured aneurysm caused massive blood loss, leading to a loss of oxygen to the brain for an extended period.

The statement said the damage was irreversible and the family was now allowing nature to take its course.

Dalton, 45, played 37 tests for the Silver Ferns between 1996 and 2007.

She was part of the 2003 New Zealand side, coached by Ruth Aitken, that won the World Netball Championships in Jamaica, where they beat Australia 49-47 in the final.

After playing for the Northern Force, Dalton headed to Southland and was part of the championship-winning Southern Sting side from 2002 to 2006.

She was also part of the Southern Steel squad in the ANZ Championship competition, coming in as injury cover in 2008 and 2011.

Following her career in netball, Dalton moved on to television, commentating for Sky Sport.