41-year-old rugby player, Kath Wharton, died suddenly from cardiac arrest while Covid positive.

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New Zealand rugby player, Kath Wharton, 41, died after being found unresponsive on Nov. 21, 2024

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Mother of four and former National Rugby League Women's Premiership star Wharton, 41, was discovered unresponsive in her vehicle by her husband, Andrew, on Nov. 21, 2024, per Fox Sports Australia. She was pronounced dead at the scene.


It's now been revealed that Wharton died from sudden cardiac arrest while taking a nap in an Auckland McDonald's parking lot after a long-haul flight from Japan, the coroner confirmed in a decision document obtained by PEOPLE. She'd visited the country to attend a rugby tournament.

No inquiry has been ordered due to there being no suspicious circumstances, and the death falls under natural causes.

Wharton had COVID-19 at the time of her death, the document noted,
adding that Dr. Kilak Kesha, who conducted the post-mortem, had said that the virus could potentially "unmask" an underlying cardiac problem.

people.com

Cause of Death Revealed for Rugby Star Mom of 4 Found Dead After Taking a Nap in McDonald’s Parking Lot: Reports

The cause of death for rugby star and mom-of-four, Kath Wharton, 41, has been revealed, according to reports. The athlete died from sudden cardiac arrest while taking a nap in an Auckland McDonald's parking lot after a long-haul flight from Japan.
people.com
 
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