NZ Rugby Player Shane Christie Found Deceased, Suspected Suicide

Wellington, Aug 27 (AP) A renowned New Zealand rugby player who championed the examination of links between concussions and enduring brain injuries has tragically passed away at the age of 39.

Shane Christie, who played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby and represented the New Zealand Maori, was discovered deceased at his Nelson home on Wednesday morning, where police were summoned.

The New Zealand Herald has reported that Christie's friends suspect he may have taken his own life.

Police have stated, “The death will be referred to the coroner and we have no further information or comment we can provide.” Christie had fears he might be suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition that has been linked to numerous suicides among National Football League players in the United States. In 2016, the NFL acknowledged the link between football and CTE.

Currently, CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously, and Christie had expressed his intention to donate his brain for research, aiming to make the sport of rugby safer.

“Without brain donations, we won't be able to determine how long it takes for the disease to develop. It's crucial to advance research in New Zealand,” Christie mentioned in a recent interview.

Christie was closely associated with Billy Guyton, a fellow rugby player who took his own life in 2023 and was the first New Zealand player to be diagnosed with CTE. Together, they established the Billy Guyton Foundation to promote awareness of concussion repercussions.

“Bill encouraged me to boldly voice my concerns about what I observe,” Christie expressed last year during a Foundation event.

Throughout his career, Christie had documented multiple concussions and had complained of headaches and memory issues after retiring. CTE is known to result in mood and behavioral shifts along with cognitive decline.

“It feels like there's a bruise in your head, and it hurts when you walk. So when you try to think or exercise, the pressure is painful. You're not as quick, and your thinking is impaired,” he reportedly said.

New Zealand Rugby, in a statement published by Stuff, acknowledged Christie's dedication to coaching after his playing days were over.

"Whenever someone from the rugby community is lost, it deeply affects us all," stated New Zealand Rugby. "Shane's enthusiasm for rugby will always be remembered. Our hearts go out to Shane's whanau (family), friends, former teammates, and community during this painfully challenging time.” (AP) TAP

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