Norm Hewitt Cause of Death, What Happened to Norm Hewitt? How did Norm Hewitt Die?
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Updated Jul 16, 2024
Norm Hewitt Cause of Death
Norm Hewitt passed away at the age of 55 after battling motor neurone disease (MND), a progressive neurological disorder affecting nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movements. This disease leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventually severe physical impairments, impacting activities like speaking, walking, and breathing.
Hewitt, originally from Porangahau in southern Hawke's Bay, had a distinguished rugby career spanning 13 seasons. He played 296 representative matches for teams like Hawke's Bay, Southland, and Wellington. Hewitt earned 23 caps for the All Blacks over nine seasons and was integral to the Hurricanes in the early Super Rugby years.
What Happened to Norm Hewitt?
Norm Hewitt, the former All Blacks hooker, passed away at age 55 after battling motor neurone disease (MND), a progressive neurological disorder. He was known for his rugby career, including a famous haka standoff, and later became a prominent advocate for youth mentoring and anti-violence campaigns.
How Did Norm Hewitt Die?
Norm Hewitt passed away after battling motor neurone disease (MND), a progressive neurological disorder affecting nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movements. He played 23 matches for the All Blacks, making his debut in 1993 and notably engaging in a famous haka standoff with England's Richard Cockerill in 1997.
Norm Hewitt Illness
Norm Hewitt battled motor neurone disease, a rare and degenerative illness that affects nerve cells controlling muscle movement. Diagnosed after his rugby career, Hewitt's struggle highlighted the disease's impact, which researchers link to professional sports like rugby. Despite his physical challenges, Hewitt remained influential, notably for his intense haka standoff with England's Richard Cockerill in 1997, now part of rugby lore.
Norm Hewitt Brother
Rob Hewitt, brother of Norm Hewitt, gained fame for surviving 75 hours lost at sea off the Kāpiti Coast in 2006 while diving. His ordeal became widely known for his resilience and survival instincts, inspiring many with his story of endurance and eventual rescue.
Rob's experience underscored the challenges and dangers of maritime activities, highlighting the importance of preparation and staying calm in critical situations. His survival has since been celebrated as a testament to human resilience and the will to overcome extreme adversity.
Who was Norm Hewitt?
Norman Jason Hewitt, born on November 11, 1968, was a notable New Zealand All Blacks rugby union player. Beyond his sporting achievements, Hewitt gained attention for his public apology following a drunken incident in 1998, thereafter becoming a vocal advocate for changing drinking habits. In 2005, he showcased his versatility by participating in and winning the first season of "Dancing with the Stars," where he donated his winnings to the literacy charity Duffy Books in Homes.
In his later years, Hewitt was closely associated with Rangikura School in Porirua, Wellington, reflecting his commitment to community involvement and education initiatives. His legacy encompasses both his athletic prowess and his dedication to social causes, leaving a lasting impact on both the sporting and broader New Zealand community.
Attribute | Details |
Birth Name | Norman Jason Hewitt |
Date of Birth | 11 November 1968 |
Place of Birth | Hastings, New Zealand |
Date of Death | 15 July 2024 (aged 55) |
Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
Weight | 108 kg (17 st 0 lb) |
School | Te Aute College |
Notable Relative | Rob Hewitt |