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The news of Lomu's unexpected passing on Wednesday morning was confirmed by former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew.
"It's a obviously a very difficult time for Jonah's family. He's a great rugby player and a great person. It's a terrible tragedy," Mayhew told TV3.
Lomu was forced to quit rugby in 2002 because of the rare kidney disease Nephrotic syndrome.
The flying winger needed a life-saving kidney transplant in 2004 and also suffered a serious kidney-related health scare in 2011.
Lomu was recently in attendance at the recent Rugby World Cup as a spokesman for Heineken.
He was pictured returning to his his hometown Auckland airport on Tuesday, it is believed he passed away in his family home.
@AllBlacks #rugby legend Jonah Lomu at Auckland Airport with 8 large suite cases. Man loves to shop! pic.twitter.com/qweiMRuF2y
— Craig Norenbergs (@CraigNorenbergs) November 17, 2015Lomu made 63 appearances for the All Blacks, scoring 37 tries.
He made his Test debut at just 19 years and 45 days..