Taupiri’s Courtney Johansen suffers brain aneurysm while pregnant with first baby

Taupiri's Courtney Johansen died from a brain aneurysm while pregnant days before her 30th birthday. Photo / Supplied

A Waikato sportswoman has died after suffering a brain aneurysm while pregnant with her first child, days before her 30th birthday.

The rural Waikato community of Taupiri is grieving the death of 29-year-old Courtney Johansen after the catastrophic medical event earlier this week. She and her partner were expecting their first baby. Her unborn daughter, Maia Joyce Barini (“MJ”), also did not survive.

Taupiri Rugby Club, where Johansen (known to the community as “Kiddo”) dedicated the past eight years as a player-coach and manager, described her as “someone who would hate all the doom and gloom”.

Courtney Johansen (right) with her mum Lynette after being awarded the Taupiri Rugby Club's honorary blazer. Photo / Supplied

“While our hearts are breaking, we can already hear her telling us to ‘pull it together’, probably followed by a laugh and something just a little bit inappropriate.”

Johansen’s aunt Paula Graham told the Herald her niece proudly dedicated her life to sport and the community.

“She had the biggest heart and offered all-around support to her community.

“She was an awesome aunty to all the kids.”

Johansen was days away from her 30th birthday on May 1.

“We’ll have to still do something, celebrate in her memory,” said Graham.

Taupiri Rugby Club took to social media in Johansen’s honour.

“Kiddo wasn’t just part of this club, she WAS the club for so many of us. One of the OGs [originals] of our women’s team, there from the very beginning, helping build it into what it is today. Blood, sweat, bruises, laughs, broken nose; she gave it everything, and then gave even more.

“She was the kind of person who made everyone feel like they belonged. The quiet humour on the sideline, the first to check in on you, and somehow always in the middle of both the chaos and the organisation.

“Teammate, captain, committee member, one-(wo)man fundraising enthusiast, valued member of the sisterhood; she was all of it, all at once. Our No 4.”

Graham told the Herald that Johansen was the first female rugby player to receive a Taupiri Rugby Club honorary blazer.

“She was actually offered a rugby contract in Italy, which she turned down at the time. Fortunately for Taupiri, she continued with them and joined their committee.”

Johansen was involved in athletics and was a part of multiple other social sports teams.

“She played rugby for Waka Ama sports club, netball for the KiaOra Netball club and football for Ohinewai and Huntly schools,” Graham said.

“She also managed the rugby club’s local high school programme.”

According to Graham, messages of support for Johansen’s family and friends have poured in from across the world.

“We’ve had huge support from everyone from Ōtorohanga, the Waikato Rugby Club and overseas from sports clubs in Ireland, Italy and Australia.”

The Johansen family opened their home to friends, family and the community today for an informal farewell.

A formal service is set to take place this Friday at the Taupiri Rugby Club, followed by a private cremation.

The sportswoman left behind her mother Lynette Johansen, father Rodney Johansen, younger brother Devon Johansen and partner Joey Barini.

A donation hub has been set up to cover the costs of the funeral. Anyone wanting to contribute can do so by putting money into Johansen’s mother’s account:

Lynette Johansen

06-0329-0003100-18