New Zealand netball star Tania Dalton has died, six days after collapsing from a brain aneurysm during a social game of touch rugby.
The 45-year-old was admitted to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition on Thursday.
Dalton had suffered a ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm, her family said.
They spent the weekend and the start of the week by her bedside, but her life support was turned off on Tuesday night. She died at 10.20am on Wednesday, a spokesman for the family, Chris Henderson, said.
"On behalf of the Dalton family it is with overwhelming sadness that I am here to share the news that our beloved "T" passed away at 10.20am with the family by her side," he said.
"Since Thursday evening when she experienced a ruptured internal aneurysm on the touch field, Tarnes has put up the fight of her life but ultimately it wasn't a fight she could win. And so Duane, Taylor, Charlie and Matt - and their many, many friends and extended family - reluctantly have to say goodbye. It's unbearably sad but we are comforted by how big a life she lived in a short 45 years."
"She lived as we all might strive to - never on the sidelines, always in the action, bringing her A-game and standard, with a big heart and an easy smile, sucking the juice out of every day. She represented her country for 11 years as a Silver Fern, helped to grow a successful business, and gave of herself and her time generously," he said.
"Her most important job though was as a mum, and she lives on in the three cool kids she and Duane have raised. Duane was quoted on the weekend as saying we couldn't be prouder of her or love her more, and that's how we all feel."
Henderson said Duane Dalton had asked him to pass on the sincere thanks of the family for the outpouring of love and support they had received.
A memorial service will be held on Auckland's North Shore on March 6.
Career in netball
Dalton, who made her way through the netball ranks under her maiden name, Tania Nicholson, played 12 tests for the Silver Ferns, making her debut against South Africa in 1996 under coach Leigh Gibbs.
The goal shoot/goal attack played in the the 2003 world championships in Kingston, Jamaica, which New Zealand won, pipping Australia 49-47 in the final.
Her international career went from 1996–2004 and then from 2006–07, punctuated by breaks through giving birth to her three children and also with injuries.
The #Netball community extends their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Tania Dalton. MORE: https://t.co/ckB3kozSU9 pic.twitter.com/mNQPoKzkXk
— Netball New Zealand (@NetballNZ) March 1, 2017
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Silver Fern number 113, Tania Dalton. NNZ Statement: https://t.co/GGiK2D4nd4 pic.twitter.com/7a8d6KrLI9
— Silver Ferns (@SilverFernsNZ) March 1, 2017
Domestically, she played for the Northern Force and the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, before a highly impressive stint with the Southern Sting, from 2002-06, during which the side won three New Zealand titles.
After retiring, she has been a netball commentator for Sky Sport, noted for speaking candidly.
She and her family were active in the North Harbour sporting community.
Former rival, long-time Australian goal shoot Catherine Cox, messaged her best to Dalton's loved ones through Twitter.
"Thought and prayers with Tania Dalton's family and friends during this horrific time. We are all thinking of you."
Stuff.co.nz