Coroner confirms sudden cardiac arrest ended the life of former Kiwi Fern—no foul play suspected.

August 25, 2025 — The heartbreaking mystery surrounding the death of Kath Wharton, a former New Zealand rugby star and mother of four, has been officially clarified. According to a recent coroner’s report, she died from sudden cardiac arrest while resting in her car in a McDonald’s parking lot in Auckland.

A Tragic Return from Japan

Wharton, aged 41, had just returned from a rugby tournament in Japan and was waiting to pick up her husband from the airport. She parked at McDonald’s and planned to take a quick nap before retrieving him. When she didn’t arrive on time and didn’t respond to calls, her husband found her unresponsive in the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

COVID-Related Complications

The coroner’s report noted that Wharton had recently recovered from COVID-19. While the virus did not cause her death, medical experts believe it may have aggravated an underlying heart condition, contributing to the sudden cardiac arrest. No suspicious circumstances have been identified, and her death has been ruled natural.

A Legacy on and off the Field

Kath Wharton was no stranger to achievement. She represented New Zealand’s women’s rugby team, the Kiwi Ferns, in 14 matches between 2008 and 2019, and even played for the Warriors in the NRLW in 2019. After taking a six-year break to focus on family and career, she returned stronger than ever—earning a professional contract upon her comeback. Outside of rugby, she championed health and wellness through her work with Healthy Families NZ.

Tributes Pour In

Her passing sent waves of grief through the rugby community. New Zealand Rugby League officials expressed sorrow and admiration, recognizing her immense contributions to women’s rugby and her community. “Her legacy will be felt by many,” shared NZRL CEO Greg Peters, extending condolences to her family and the region she represented