Rasaad Adams|Published
Paarl-born Lions rugby player Hyron Andrews died from a tear in his aorta, most likely caused by an aortic aneurysm, an autopsy has confirmed.
The 31-year-old former Junior Springbok died in France on Friday, 16 October, on the eve of the Lions’ Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle. His death has devastated his family, teammates and the wider South African rugby community.
Autopsy confirms cause of death
The Lions Rugby Company released an official statement on Wednesday on behalf of the Andrews family, confirming the findings of the autopsy conducted by French authorities.
The authorities 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”.
A medical expert told IOL Media that the aorta is one of the major vessels responsible for pumping blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
“If you have a tear in it, then you have minutes before you bleed out internally. You need surgical intervention immediately. The sad part is, it's a ticking time bomb, and you never know when it's going to happen until it happens,” the expert said.
Andrews’ body remains in France
Andrews’ body remains in the care of French authorities as arrangements begin to bring him home to South Africa.
“The Andrews family asks for respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins,” the Lions said.
A timeline for the return of his body to South Africa has not yet been determined. Further information will be communicated when it becomes available and in consultation with the family.
According to previous reports by AFP, Andrews was found in cardiac arrest in a shower cubicle that was locked from the inside. French authorities subsequently launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Minister pays tribute to former Junior Springbok
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie previously paid tribute to Andrews, highlighting the physical demands and sacrifices associated with playing in the second row.
“Hyron played in a position that asks for nothing but courage; the work nobody sees and the hits nobody counts. He gave that to the Sharks, to Sale, to the Junior Boks and to the Lions, without complaint,” McKenzie said.
Andrews’ rugby journey from Paarl to the Lions
Andrews grew up in Paarl and attended Laerskool Paulus Joubert. His performances earned him selection for the Junior Springboks in 2015.
He spent nearly a decade with the Sharks before moving to England to play for Sale Sharks. He returned to South African rugby at the beginning of the current season to join the Lions, where he featured in every United Rugby Championship match this season.
The Lions previously described Andrews as a valued member of their team and extended their condolences to his family, including Maiglin, Hendrix and Emerson.
The family has requested privacy as they prepare to bring him home.