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Ex-Rugby Player Shane Christie Diagnosed with CTE Posthumously

4/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Shane Christie, a former New Zealand rugby player, was diagnosed posthumously with advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Christie died by suspected suicide at 39.
Christie had campaigned for CTE awareness after his friend Billy Guyton's similar fate.
Coroner Ian Telford confirmed the CTE diagnosis.
New Zealand Rugby acknowledged the link between head impacts and CTE and pledged ongoing research.

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Story summary

Shane Christie, a former New Zealand rugby player, was diagnosed posthumously with advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Christie died by suspected suicide at 39.
Christie had campaigned for CTE awareness after his friend Billy Guyton's similar fate.
Coroner Ian Telford confirmed the CTE diagnosis.
New Zealand Rugby acknowledged the link between head impacts and CTE and pledged ongoing research.