Netball great Tania Dalton 'put up fight of life', but couldn't win

Silver Ferns shooter Tania Dalton at the 2003 World Netball Champs, Jamaica. Photo/Getty Images

Family of former Silver Ferns netballer and SKY TV commentator Tania Dalton have formally announced her death, after suffering an internal carotid artery aneurysm last Thursday.

Dalton, 45, collapsed while playing touch rugby in Northcote and was rushed to hospital, bleeding from nose and mouth.

She spent most of the weekend in critical condition and life support was switched off yesterday afternoon, with family resigned to the fact she wouldn't recover.

Spokesman and business partner Chris Henderson addressed media this afternoon, expressing the family's gratitude for the public supporter over the past few days.

"It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the news that our much-loved 'T' passed away at 10.20am with family by her side," he said.

"Tania has put up the fight of her life, but ultimately, it was a fight she couldn't win."

"We have reluctantly had to say goodbye. It's unbearably sad, but we are comforted by how big a life she lived in her short 45 years."

"She lived as we might all strive to - never on the side-line, 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. We couldn't be prouder of her or love her more."

"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."

A memorial service will be held at North Harbour Stadium on Monday, March 6. More details will come shortly.