Athlete's death a shock

Henry Tohu inspired many people. Photo / APN

An Auckland father and multisport competitor who "had the body of an elite athlete" has died suddenly.

Four-time Ironman competitor Henry Tohu, in his 40s, died in hospital on Friday morning after becoming unwell only days before, said friend Heather Skipworth.

He was married to Sharon Smith-Tohu and the couple have a daughter, Tayla.

Tohu was sick in the week leading up to his death and was sent to hospital only days before his death but did not consider his condition life-threatening, said Skipworth.

"He sent his wife home that night [Thursday] and told her to not hang around," she said.

Once overweight and unfit, Tohu had turned his life around only a few years ago through competing in four Ironman events and two IronMaori triathlons. "He had the body of an elite athlete."

Skipworth, the organiser of IronMaori, said Tohu had been an active Maori role model to his family and competitors.

"Everybody knew Henry. He did do a lot of mentoring and he was a people magnet. He was the type of person who would give up time in a race to help people," she said.

He had completed four Taupo Ironman events and his goal was to reach the milestone of 10, said Skipworth.

IronMaori competitor Eljon Fitzgerald said Tohu had inspired many whom he'd never even met.

"He epitomised what the event was about. His efforts touched more people than those in the Hawke's Bay - it was far-reaching," he said.

Tributes from fellow competitors flooded the IronMaori Facebook page remembering a man who had been an inspiration to others.

"My heart is saddened because we have lost a man who embodies the IronMaori spirit and an awesome role model to us all," wrote Paul Taiti.

"R.I.P brother Henry. You will always be remembered as a very inspirational Maori man," added Karney Herewini.

IronMaori was started two years ago to encourage Maori to take part in multisport.

A documentary following the journey of five competitors is due to screen on Maori TV on August 27.