A New Zealand professional rugby player who died by suspected suicide last year was found to have advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain abnormality associated with repeated concussions, according to a post-mortem examination.
Coroner Announces Diagnosis
The diagnosis was announced on Thursday by Coroner Ian Telford, who is conducting a preliminary hearing into the death of Shane Christie, aged 39, who passed away in August. CTE is a progressive disease that damages brain tissue and is known to cause symptoms such as mood swings, impulsive behavior, and depression. It can only be definitively diagnosed after death.
Christie's Background and Advocacy
Christie, a former New Zealand Maori representative, believed he was suffering from CTE and actively campaigned for greater awareness of the condition. His advocacy followed the death of his friend and fellow rugby professional Billy Guyton, also by suspected suicide. CTE has been linked to fatalities in other contact sports, including the National Football League, hockey, and soccer.
Friends and family of Christie stated that he wanted his diagnosis made public to raise awareness for players experiencing CTE symptoms. Christie, who played Super Rugby for the Crusaders and Highlanders, retired from rugby in 2018 due to the effects of repeated concussions.
Pathologist's Findings
The coroner reported that pathologist Dr. Clinton Turner confirmed "the diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which he characterizes as 'high stage'." Dr. Turner works at the University of Auckland's "brain bank," where both Guyton and Christie had donated their brains for research.
The coroner emphasized that the diagnosis represents the pathologist's opinion, and the official cause of Christie's death will be determined through the coronial process.
New Zealand Rugby's Response
Steve Lancaster, chief executive of New Zealand Rugby, told local media that the organization acknowledges "an association between repeated head impacts and CTE and takes this issue seriously."
Lancaster stated, "New Zealand Rugby acknowledges the CTE pathology results for Shane Christie confirmed by The Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank. We also acknowledge and respect the role of the coroner to determine the nature of any inquiry they may hold examining the cause and circumstances of Shane’s passing."
He added, "We share the concerns about the potential long-term effects of repeated head knocks in rugby and support the need for ongoing research into this."
