Tears flow for smiling star of netball

By Suzanne McFadden

As Leilani Read's life support was switched off yesterday, her devastated Wellington team-mates wiped away the tears and walked on court at the national netball championships.

After their emotional game, the players drove from Palmerston North to Wellington to farewell the former Silver Fern, who died following a brain haemorrhage.

The New Zealand and Samoa shooter, remembered for her perpetual smile, was just 25.

At least 50 netballers from around the country came to Read's hospital bedside yesterday, including her cousin, Silver Fern Bernice Mene, and other international stars.

Read, a former high school teacher who was to play for Samoa at next month's world netball championships, had trained with the Wellington team until last Wednesday when she withdrew, saying she was not well.

"She had been playing so well - it seemed like a hiccup," said coach Lois Muir last night.

"The kids thought she would be back playing in a couple of weeks."

Read had been suffering from a rare blood disorder and went into hospital late last week.

Her condition worsened on Monday night and her family were at her bedside when the life-support system was turned off.

Her Wellington team, led by close cousin Amanda Dunlop, were warming up 15 minutes before their game against Manukau when they were told Read had died.

"The kids were so upset, but they stuck together to play for Lei," said Muir.

"Her mum and dad said she would have wanted us to keep working hard."

Former Silver Ferns captain Wai Taumaunu, who guided Read through most of her netball career, was too distraught to speak from England last night.

She had been calling the hospital through the night and wishing she could be in New Zealand.

Read's family made an emotional tribute to their "champion daughter."

"Our daughter was a dynamic package of energy and joy, and had a great passion for life," they said.

"In her brief life she gave so much and touched many people's lives. She was given a special gift and used it - not just to make us proud, but also her beloved countries of Samoa and New Zealand."

Read first made the Silver Ferns in 1992, playing at the World Games, but was dropped the next year.

She then played for Samoa at the 1995 world championships, before being selected for the Ferns again in 1996.