Obituary: Former Toulouse player, Australian international Tiana Mangakahia passes away at 30
She was « a light that touched the lives of everyone she met, » her loved ones remember. After months of battling illness, Australian international Tiana Mangakahia has passed away at age 30, from a recurrence of her cancer that was diagnosed after her time in Toulouse.
Toulouse player at the end of 2022-2023 season
An iconic figure in Australian basketball, Mangakahia was fighting stage four breast cancer, detected in June 2023. She had just left the Pink City, which she joined in April 2023 for the season’s end. With Toulouse M.B., Tiana Mangakahia played two regular season games (averaging 10.5 points on 60% shooting, 2.5 rebounds, 3 assists in 19.5 minutes) plus three playoff games before her team’s elimination.
After the cancer spread to other parts of her body, she announced her retirement at the time to focus on « her life » and the extensive treatment required. Two years later, in April 2025, she returned to basketball with the Southern Districts Spartans in WNBL, after announcing her recovery. But her health deteriorated again in early September, revealing on Instagram that she was « experiencing significant physical decline » after the progression of her cancer recurrence.
On Friday, September 12, her social media profile was updated with the tragic news of her passing after her long battle with cancer. « We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beautiful Tiana. She left us on 09/11/2025, surrounded by family, friends and much love, » reads the message.
Tiana Mangakahia leaves an indelible mark on Australian basketball history, having proudly represented her country in international competition at the highest level. With the Opals, she won four medals, including two gold at the FIBA U16 and U18 Oceania Championships. Since the announcement of her passing, tributes have been pouring in, including from fellow Australian Josh Giddey and WNBA star Natasha Cloud.
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