TRAGEDY IN FRANCE
Mike Greenaway|Published
The Sharks have paid a moving tribute to former stalwart Hyron Andrews, affectionately known as "Ice" to his teammates, following the tragic death of the 31-year-old in France from a heart attack on the eve of the Lions’ Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle.
Andrews spent a decade at the Sharks, arriving in Durban as a young lock with big dreams and leaving in 2024 as a husband, father, and respected member of the rugby community.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Hyron Andrews, affectionately known to his teammates as ‘Ice’, who was with us from 2014 to 2024," the Sharks said in their tribute.
"The Sharks join the Lions and the greater South African rugby fraternity in mourning a player who gave so much to the game and a man who meant so much to so many."
Andrews was 20 when he joined the Sharks from the Bulls’ junior ranks. He went on to make more than 100 appearances for the Durban club before leaving for an overseas stint with Sale Sharks in England.
"Hyron arrived in Durban as a youngster with big dreams, and over 10 years we had the privilege of watching him grow, as a rugby player and as a man," the tribute continued.
"He gave everything to the black and white jersey, but his greatest growth came off the field. By the time he left Kings Park in 2024, the young man who had first walked through our doors had become a committed family man, with his wife Maighlin by his side and their young son Hendrix. While abroad, their family grew once more with the arrival of their second son, Emerson.
"To everyone at the Sharks, from teammates, coaches and staff, Hyron was never simply a player who wore the jersey. He was a friend, a brother, and a much-loved member of the Sharks family, and the memories he made here, on and off the field, will stay with us always."
Sharks CEO Shaun Bryans said the club was devastated by the loss of a man who had so much more to give.
"We are devastated by the passing of Hyron. Words feel very small right now to express the shock and sadness we feel at losing someone who still had so much life ahead of him and so much still to give.
"We watched Hyron arrive here as a young man and leave as a husband and a father, and that is how we will remember him: as someone who grew into the very best version of himself while he was with us. We are grateful for the years he gave this club, the friendships he built, and the memories he leaves behind.
"Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Maighlin, to Hendrix and Emerson, and to all of Hyron’s family and loved ones. Please know that you are not alone. The Sharks family stands with you during this difficult time, and Hyron will forever remain one of us."
Rest in peace, Hyron.