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Home / Sport

Jonah Lomu memorial: Family 'still in shock' over death

NZ Herald
30 Nov, 2015 12:48 AM3 mins to read

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Jonah Lomu Eden Park memorial service

Jonah Lomu's family is still in shock over his death and fear his funeral tomorrow will be their hardest day yet.

Nane Malupo, a relative of Jonah Lomu's mother Hepi, said his family were struggling to come to terms with his loss.

"It is still a shock to us that this has happened. Tomorrow will probably be harder because it is his last day with us."

The body of Jonah Lomu is carried onto the pitch at Eden Park. Photo / Nick Reed
The body of Jonah Lomu is carried onto the pitch at Eden Park. Photo / Nick Reed

Malupo said Jonah's mother was particularly struggling with the news.

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"Hepi is trying to stay strong but deep down inside she is finding it difficult," she said.

"She only just lost her husband a few years ago and now she has lost her son. It is very tough on her."

Jonah's wife Nadene and their two sons Dhyrelle and Brayley attending today's service.

All Blacks great Michael Jones has praised Nadene for allowing New Zealanders to pay their respects to the rugby legend at different memorial celebrations over the past two weeks.

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Today's service is the third public memorial in Lomu's honour.

"It's [today's service] really to reflect who he was and what he meant to us and we really have to acknowledge Nadene," Jones told Newstalk ZB today.

"She's let the nation and the different communities in. I think if it was her decision she probably would have just wanted it small and done privately.

"But she's really shared someone who was dearly loved by New Zealanders and people around the world over a day like today, so that's why we feel really privileged and honoured."

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Nadene says goodbye to husband and father, ex All Black and rugby great, Jonah Lomu. Photo / Nick Reed
Nadene Lomu and her sons Dhyreille (L) and Brayley. Photo / Nick Reed
Nadene Lomu and her two sons Dhyreille and Brayley. Photo / Nick Reed
Nadene Lomu and her two sons Dhyreille and Brayley. Photo / Nick Reed
Nadene and her two sons wait as Jonah Lomu is carried onto centre stage. Photo / Nick Reed
Jonah Lomu is carried onto the pitch of Eden Park. Photo / Nick Reed
Jonah Lomu's wife Nadene her two sons gather at Eden Park during the Public Memorial Service for Jonah Lomu. Photo / Dean Purcell
Rugby legend Jonah Lomu is carried in during the Public Memorial Service at Eden Park. Photo / Dean Purcell.
Former All Blacks gather at Eden Park during the Public Memorial Service for Jonah Lomu. Photo / Dean Purcell
Jonah Lomu's wife Nadene and her two sons Brayley and Dhyreille. Photo / Dean Purcell
Maori warriors rush across the field as crowds gather at the funeral of ex All Black and rugby great, Jonah Lomu. Photo / Nick Reed
'Remembering Jonah Lomu' Public Memorial, held at Eden Park. Photo / Brett Phibbs
People gather at Eden Park during the Public Memorial Service for Jonah Lomu. Photo / Dean Purcell
Maori warriors rush across the field as crowds gather at the funeral of ex All Black and rugby great, Jonah Lomu. Photo / Nick Reed
Rugby legend Jonah Lomu is carried onto the pitch at Eden Park. Photo / Nick Reed
Jonah Lomu's wife Nadene Lomu with sons Dhyrelle and Brayley are supported by family members. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Jonah Lomu's casket as he arrives at Eden Park. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Jonah Lomu's wife Nadene and his two sons stand before Jonah's coffin during the Public Memorial Service for Jonah Lomu held at Eden Park. 30 November 2015 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Dean Purcel
The Public Memorial Service for Jonah Lomu held at Eden Park. 30 November 2015 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Dean Purcell.
Jonah Lomu's son, Dhyreille, follows the hearse as it departs Eden Park. Photo / Getty Images
Pallbearers Dylan Mika, Michael Jones, Frank Bunce, Joeli Vidiri and Manu Vatuvei. Photo / Brett Phibbs
The Public Memorial Service for Jonah Lomu held at Eden Park. Photo / Dean Purcell.
Jonah Lomu's wife Nadene and his two sons and Nadene's parents embrace during the Public Memorial Service at Eden Park. Photo / Dean Purcell
Pallbearers Former rugby players Dylan Mika and Michael Jones. Photo / Dean Purcell
Former All Black Tana Umaga performs a haka during the Public Memorial Service. Photo / Dean Purcell
Former All Black Josh Kronfeld performs a haka during the Public Memorial Service. Photo / Dean Purcell
Thousands turn out during the Public Memorial Service for Jonah Lomu held at Eden Park. Photo / Dean Purcell

Image 1 of 27: Nadene says goodbye to husband and father, ex All Black and rugby great, Jonah Lomu. Photo / Nick Reed

Malupo has been to each memorial service for the rugby legend said it was great to see so many people come to say their farewells.

"It has been really hard but with everything that has been happening you can tell he was really loved," she said.

"There have always been big turn outs at each ceremony."

The 30-year-old said she was very "proud" to be related to Lomu.

Jonah Lomu's Hafoka Lomu has travelled all the way from the United States to join the service.

"I came all the way from Denver, Colarado to be here together with all the people from New Zealand, all the relatives, to mourn his loss and show all our love and respect for him as a man. Not only that but as a fan and as a best friend of his," Hafoka said.

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"I had to excuse time out from work to come all the way here to show the true feeling about him.

"We come together today with everybody, the whole world, to mourn his loss.

"He was a great man and a great ambassador to the game of rugby. He was a family man and he did a lot of great work even though he was out of rugby he still spent his time promoting the game. That's how much he loved the game of rugby."

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