Rugby player Shane Christie, who called for study of concussion, dies at age 39
Rugby world in mourning over pioneering player Shane Christie
- Prominent New Zealand rugby player Shane Christie, aged 39, has died at his home in Nelson.
- Christie was a vocal advocate for research into the connection between concussions and long-term brain injury, specifically Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
- He suspected he suffered from CTE, a degenerative brain disorder only detectable post-mortem, and had intended to donate his brain for scientific study.
- Christie was a friend and teammate of Billy Guyton, the first New Zealand rugby player diagnosed with CTE, and helped establish the Billy Guyton Foundation.
- Police have referred Christie's death to the coroner, with New Zealand Rugby expressing deep condolences for the loss of a passionate member of the rugby community.