Jonah Lomu's close friend Polly Gillespie has penned an emotional tribute to the New Zealand rugby legend after learning of his death.
The former sportsman passed away unexpectedly at the age of 40 on Wednesday following a lengthy battle with kidney problems.
The world of sport has been paying tribute to Lomu, and now a personal friend of the ex-rugby star has taken to social media to express her sadness.
"My heart is smashed," wrote Gillespie. "I don't know what to do with my aching heart. I don't want to answer the phone. I can't believe it's true. So many times there have been stupid rumours that 'Jonah has died', and they were just horrible tasteless lies, but this is not a hoax, oh God that it was.
"One of my best friends is gone. Jonah, who would talk to me about everything from Versace dinnerware to silly drinking games, has gone. I can't stop crying. I can't stop wishing I could have somehow done something. I'm going to miss you like a naughty little brother. Oh Jonah ...what are we to do without you?
"You were more than the world's greatest to me. You were just my friend, and I miss my friend. Jonah I love and miss you, and my heart is breaking."
Lomu played in 63 Tests, scoring 43 international tries.
