The mystery surrounding the sudden death of New Zealand rugby star and mother of four, Kath Wharton, has finally been resolved.
Months after she was discovered unresponsive in her car outside a McDonald’s in Auckland, officials have revealed the cause of her death — and it’s as heartbreaking as it is unexpected.
Wharton, 41, a former National Rugby League Women’s Premiership (NRLW) player and Kiwi Ferns representative, died from sudden cardiac arrest while taking a nap following a long-haul flight from Japan, according to the New Zealand Herald, citing the coroner’s report.
Her husband, Andrew, discovered her in the McDonald’s parking lot on Nov. 21, 2024, after she failed to pick him up from the airport. She had messaged him earlier in the day, telling him she would rest in her car until his flight arrived. By the time Andrew reached the restaurant, Wharton was unresponsive. She was declared dead at 2:43 p.m.
A Silent Killer
Associate Coroner Hannah Cheeseman confirmed that Wharton’s death was caused by cardiac arrest, and no suspicious circumstances were found. A post-mortem revealed that Wharton had also been infected with COVID-19 at the time, which doctors say may have triggered or “unmasked” an underlying heart condition.
Dr. Kilak Kesha, who conducted the examination, noted that COVID-19 can exacerbate pre-existing cardiac vulnerabilities. No formal inquest will be held, as her death has been classified under natural causes.
A Journey That Ended Too Soon
Wharton had just returned from Japan, where she had been attending a rugby tournament with her husband and daughter.
Due to a teammate’s child losing her passport, Wharton stayed behind to assist before flying separately.
Her flight landed in Auckland hours earlier than her husband’s, leading her to rest in the McDonald’s parking lot — a decision that tragically became her last.
A Beloved Rugby Figure
Over her career, Wharton played 14 matches for the Kiwi Ferns between 2008 and 2019, before joining the Warriors in the 2019 NRLW season.
Known for her fierce gameplay and leadership, she also contributed to the community through her work with Healthy Families NZ, a health and wellbeing advocacy group.
The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) expressed its sorrow, with CEO Greg Peters describing Wharton as a “deeply respected athlete and community leader.”
He added:
“Kath made such an immense contribution not only to the Kiwi Ferns jersey but to the community and the game of rugby league as a whole. Her passing will be felt by many, but we wish to pass our condolences to her whānau, friends, and of course the Northland community.”
Legacy of Strength
Wharton’s story has left many stunned not only because of the unusual circumstances of her passing but also because of the vibrancy of her life.
A mother of four, professional athlete, and community advocate, she exemplified resilience and dedication until the very end.
Her sudden death serves as a poignant reminder of the unseen toll that health conditions, travel, and even COVID-19 can take — sometimes striking without warning.
