In a deeply personal tribute to her late husband, rugby player Hyron Andrews, Maighlin Andrews has shared the heartbreak of losing the man she describes as the best father to their two boys and the centre of their family.
Andrews, 31, died in France on October 16, 2026. In a statement, the Lions Rugby Club said Andrews died of an aortic dissection.
"This dissection most likely occurred on an aortic aneurysm. The French authorities, who conducted the autopsy and, in whose care Hyron’s body currently remains, described the cause of death as a tear in the aorta (due to natural causes), which led to a significant accumulation of blood within the sac surrounding the heart," the club stated.
It said the Andrews family asks for respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins.
In a moving Facebook post, Maighlin expressed the depth of her grief, describing the pain of losing her husband and the future they had planned together.
“Oh my Hyron, my baby. I’m not sure if there will ever be enough words to describe how much you mean to me, our boys, and your family, friends, and teammates all over the world,” she wrote.
Remembering him as a father, she said their family was his proudest achievement and that their children were his everything.
“I’m so so grateful that we got to have you for the time we did, though the pain of having our time cut short is unlike anything I thought was possible. We had so many plans, so much life left to live and things to experience.”
The suddenness of the loss was particularly difficult to comprehend, with Maighlin recalling how they had been swimming in the pool together before saying goodbye as he left for the airport.
“It doesn’t seem possible we were just swimming in the pool and saying ‘see you soon’ as you left for the airport,” she wrote.
From meeting in Durban to building a family together
Reflecting on their relationship, Maighlin shared the milestones that shaped their life together, from their first meeting in Durban in 2016 to the family they built across different countries.
Their journey included six years of managing a long-distance relationship, an engagement in Ireland and a wedding in Michigan.
She also recalled bringing home a baby to foster without telling Hyron, before they welcomed their son Hendrix in South Africa.
The family later moved to England, where their second son, Emerson, was born in Manchester, before returning to Johannesburg.
Looking back on the life they shared, Maighlin expressed gratitude for their experiences together, despite the devastating reality that their time as a couple had been cut short.
“I feel so blessed for all we did get to do together in our short time,” she wrote, reflecting on their journey and everything they experienced along the way.
Remembering Hyron Andrews’ kindness and humility
Beyond his life as a rugby player, Maighlin remembered Hyron as a man whose generosity and humility left a lasting impression on those around him.
“You were the kindest and most humble man I have ever known,” she wrote.
She recalled how he would give what he had to help others and would stop to buy food for anyone who asked.
“Truly would give your shirt off your back to anyone in need and always stopped to buy food for anyone who asked.”
According to Maighlin, his warmth was evident to those who met him.
“I never knew a person who didn’t love you as soon as they met you. You lived and loved to the fullest and your influence and impact will never be forgotten.”
Her tribute painted a picture of a man whose legacy extended beyond the rugby field, through his relationships, generosity and the love he gave to those around him.
‘I pray that I can raise these boys to be good men like you’
As she faces life without her husband, Maighlin also shared her hopes and prayers for their sons and for the strength to guide their family through the loss.
“I pray that God guides us through this unimaginable time. I pray that I can raise these boys to be good men like you,” she wrote.
She expressed the hope that Hyron had passed peacefully, knowing how deeply he was loved, and that his final thoughts had been of his family.
“I pray that you always look over us and protect us.”
Maighlin also found comfort in the thought of her husband being reunited in heaven with his mother and his grandparents, whom she affectionately referred to as Ouma and Oupa.
While acknowledging that the devastation was beyond words, she said the overwhelming love, support and kindness received by the family had been incredible.
Maighlin asks loved ones to share memories of Hyron
In her tribute, Maighlin invited those who knew Hyron to share their favourite memories, photographs and stories, so that their sons could grow up knowing more about the man their father was.
“If you’d like to share a favorite memory or photo or story about Hyron with us, it would be much appreciated,” she wrote.
“I want to make sure our boys always know how amazing their daddy was, both on and off the field.”
Closing her message with a final expression of love and loss, Maighlin wrote: “I love you. I miss you. I’m lost without you. Rest easy my love.”
IOL