Former Silver Fern Tania Dalton has died at the age of 45, after her life support was turned off yesterday.
Tania Dalton was a regular commentator for Sky Sport in recent years. Photo: PhotoSport
In a statement released this afternoon, her family confirmed she died at 10.20am today.
Chris Henderson, a representative for Dalton's family, said a memorial would be held at North Harbour Stadium on Monday.
Tania Dalton in action for the Silver Ferns in 2006. Photo: PhotoSport
He said Dalton had put up the fight of her life, "but ultimately it wasn't a fight she could win".
"She lived as we might all strive to. Never on the sideline, always in the action. Bringing her A-game as standard. With a big heart and an easy smile sucking the juice out of every day."
In the statement, her husband Duane said it was "unbearably sad" news.
"But we are comforted by how big a life she lived in her short 45 years.
"Tania represented her country for 11 years as a Silver Fern, helped to grow a successful business and gave of herself and her time generously. Her most important job though, was as a mum, and she lives on in our three amazing kids."
Dalton collapsed after suffering a ruptured aneurysm last week while playing touch rugby in Auckland.
Test results showed the ruptured aneurysm caused massive blood loss, leading to a loss of oxygen to the brain for an extended period and irreversible damage.
Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie said the entire netball community was in shock and was deeply saddened.
She said Dalton was a true competitor on the court who showed a passion and love for the game and will always be in their hearts.
Dalton 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.
The #Netball community extends their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Tania Dalton. MORE: https://t.co/ckB3kozSU9 pic.twitter.com/mNQPoKzkXk
— Netball New Zealand (@NetballNZ) March 1, 2017
Sad beyond belief. Vale Tania Dalton #113 https://t.co/cgUan0haLD
— Liz Ellis (@LizzyLegsEllis) March 1, 2017
Family friend, Chris Henderson, reads statement saying (former Silver Fern) Tania Dalton has died surrounded by family at Auckland Hospital. pic.twitter.com/EXByAZffeg
— John Campbell (@JohnJCampbell) March 1, 2017
