Jerry Collins, who previously played for New Zealand rugby team the All Blacks, was found with his arms wrapped around his baby daughter, in an attempt to protect her from the crash that instantly killed him and his girlfriend.
Fellow All Black star Lomu said this demonstrated the type of man he was, as he attended the 34-year-old’s funeral on Wednesday.
‘That’s just typical Jerry’ he said. ‘He was just a great man.’
Meanwhile rugby star Chris Masoe said: ‘When you realised what was coming you protected Ayla from the impact with your arms and your whole body over her, you made it possible for her to have a chance. That’s the man you are.’
In the days after his death, fellow All Black stars paid tribute to their friend with a roadside Haka - the traditional war dance performed before every rugby game by the NZ side.
‘When you realised what was coming you protected Ayla from the impact with your arms and your whole body over her, you made it possible for her to have a chance. That’s the man you are.’
Collins’ partner Alana Madill, 35, was also killed in the crash, while their four month old daughter Ayla remains in a serious condition in a French hospital.
On it, the message reads: 'Life is fragile. Let's all be good to each other.'