Former Silver Fern Tania Dalton has died after having her life support switched off.
Her family has confirmed she died at 10.20 this morning with her family at her side.
The Silver Fern-turned-SKY commentator had been in a critical condition after a massive a brain aneurysm she suffered last week.
The 45-year-old collapsed in a social game of touch rugby on Thursday.
Her family had been by her side after the life support was turned off yesterday afternoon, just before 1.30.
They say the former Silver Fern put up the fight of her life but ultimately it wasn’t a fight she could win.
Family spokesman Chris Henderson said it’s terribly sad but her family are comforted by how big a life she lived during her 45 years.
“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 everyday.”
Netball New Zealand said in a statement: “The netball community is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Silver Fern number 113 and SKY Sport NZ commentator Tania Dalton”.
Chief executive Jennie Wyllie said the entire Netball community was in shock and deeply saddened following the news.
“On behalf of the Netball community, we extend our deepest sympathies to Duane [Tania’s husband] and their family at this extremely difficult time,” Wyllie said.
“Tania was a true competitor on the court who showed a passion and love for the game. She was respected by team-mates and opponents across world Netball and was much-loved off the court.
“She will always be in our hearts.”
Mrs Dalton’s passing has been met with great sadness by her colleagues at SKY.
In a statement, the company said her infectious personality, hugely generous spirit and love of both life and the people that surrounded her made her an integral and much loved part of SKY’s Netball productions over the past 10 years.
She will be greatly missed by all that worked and played with her.
SKY said its deepest sympathy and thoughts go out to the netball community and her friends and family, but above all to her husband Duane and three children Tayla, Charlie and Matt.
The former Silver Ferns shooter was a member of the victorious gold medal winning team from Netball World Cup 2003. She debuted in 1996 and went on to play 12 Tests in the black dress.
A memorial service will be held at North Harbour Stadium on Monday.
-NewstalkZB
