Tragedy Strikes: Beloved New Zealand TV Presenter Nigel Latta Dies Aged 58 After Brave Battle with Terminal Cancer
- Nigel Latta, a renowned clinical psychologist, author, and broadcaster, passed away on Tuesday surrounded by loved ones at a hospice.
- The 58-year-old had been battling inoperable and incurable stomach cancer for over a year, despite being told he had only months to live.
- Latta’s family confirmed the sad news on his Facebook page, with his wife Natalie Flynn sharing a heartfelt tribute, praising his bravery and positivity in the face of death.
- The New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, led tributes to Latta, describing him as a remarkable individual with a gift for connecting with people through his writing and broadcasting.
Nigel Latta, a household name in New Zealand, has tragically lost his battle with terminal stomach cancer. The 58-year-old clinical psychologist, author, and broadcaster passed away on Tuesday, surrounded by his loved ones at a hospice. Despite being told he had only months to live, Latta had been fighting the disease for over a year, inspiring countless people with his bravery and positivity.
Latta’s family confirmed the sad news on his Facebook page, with his wife Natalie Flynn sharing a heartbreaking tribute. ‘Farewell my great love. You were never dying, just living until the moment you weren’t. You fought cancer with enormous bravery. You’ve spent your life helping others in need. And now it’s your turn to rest,’ she wrote. Natalie also praised Latta’s dignity and positivity in the face of death, saying, ‘Nigel passed away with the same dignity and positivity that he carried through life.’
Latta leaves behind his wife Natalie, his daughter Rina and son Kieran from his first marriage, and three stepchildren. He was described as New Zealand’s best-known psychologist and was the face of many popular television programs, including the crime series Beyond the Darklands and parenting and science shows.
New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, led tributes to Latta, saying, ‘Like so many Kiwis, Amanda and I read his books on parenting when our kids were younger. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people through his writing and broadcasting with empathy, humour, and insight.’
The Gut Cancer Foundation also paid tribute to Latta, saying, ‘Spending any time with Nigel you were struck by positivity and enthusiasm for life, none of which were diminished by his diagnosis. Nigel’s approach to his illness was inspirational.’
In a recent Facebook post, Latta had revealed that he was in remission and was expected to live for ‘years and years’. However, his hopes were dashed when he was told by his oncologist that his body couldn’t take any more treatment. Despite this, Latta remained brave and positive, telling his wife, ‘I’ve had the most wonderful life, I’m happy and I’m at peace.’