Keith Quinn: I'm in total, utter shock

The death of Jonah Lomu has been called a "triple tragedy" by veteran broadcaster Keith Quinn.

Regarded by many as 'the voice of rugby', a stunned Quinn has sent his sympathies to the All Black great's family.

"I am just in total, utter shock," Quinn said.

"It's just tragic for the family. Jonah spoke so warmly about his wife and his two boys in recent years. It's a triple tragedy in that regard."

Quinn, who watched Lomu's career from start to finish and remained tight after his retirement from rugby in 2007, says he will remember a man who went from humble beginnings to global stardom - but always remained grounded.

Quite simply, Quinn says, Lomu was the best the game has ever seen.

"People came to know him by just one name: Jonah," Quinn said.

"He's the most sensational rugby player I've ever seen. Even though his time at the very top of his career was very brief, his performances are like nothing anyone else has ever witnessed.

"I just love Jonah's story, as a person, that's how I'll remember him. He came from modest circumstances, a hard-working family, his mum and dad each took two jobs to put him through boarding school down at Wellesley College. From there, where he was recognised as sporting talent, it took him to global recognition.

"Even a couple of weeks ago at Twickenham in front of nearly 100,000 people as the Wallabies and All Blacks warmed up for the World Cup final, his appearance got as big an ovation as either of the teams."

At times in his career, Quinn said the adulation hurled at Lomu was reminiscent of a rock star.

"I saw him mobbed around the world including in Buenos Aires and Nancy in France, he couldn't leave a hotel or get off the team bus without being chased by kids," he said.

"They felt they knew him and he always had time for them.

"Even recently, he was flown over to be one of the star appearances at the Hong Kong Sevens this year. There was a lot of big names there, but Jonah was the one that everyone looked to."