Lions Rugby issue a statement confirming the cause of Hyron Andrews' death

Lions Rugby issue a statement confirming the cause of Hyron Andrews’ death

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South African lock Hyron Andrews died of a natural tear in his aorta at his team hotel in France last week, an autopsy confirmed, before the Johannesburg-based Lions played their Champions Cup debut.

Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death

French authorities concluded the 31-year-old died from an aortic dissection that most likely developed from an existing aortic aneurysm. The Lions Rugby Company released an official statement on Wednesday detailing the medical findings.

La Rochelle v Lions | Match Highlights | Champions Cup

Medical examiners explained that the tear in the body’s main artery led to a significant accumulation of blood within the pericardial sac surrounding the heart. Investigators had initially responded to the player found unconscious in a shower cubicle that was locked from the inside at the team hotel on the Île de Ré in western France, where public prosecutors opened an initial inquiry pointing toward accidental death before medical examinations were completed.

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.’Lions Rugby Company, via Planetrugby

Global Rugby Community Shares Tributes

Andrews began his professional career with the Sharks franchise in Durban, represented the Junior Springboks in 2015, and spent two and a half seasons playing in England for the Sale Sharks where he made 45 appearances before returning to South Africa to join the Lions this summer.

Rudolf Straeuli, Lions Rugby Company CEO, noted that Andrews was a cherished member of the squad who had recently joined the club.

He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season.Rudolf Straeuli, Lions Rugby Company CEO, via ESPN

Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson also remembered his time with the player in Manchester, stating that his team loved playing alongside him and that he successfully made a second home in England with his wife, Maighlin, and their two young sons, Hendrix and Emerson. Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating that hearts go out to the family and the entire rugby community.

Lions Rugby issue a statement confirming the cause of Hyron Andrews' death
Photo: ESPN

Lions Play Match Against La Rochelle

The Lions decided to fulfill their fixture against La Rochelle on Saturday evening in honour of their teammate. The French club’s supporters formed an applauding guard of honor as the visiting players arrived at Stade Marcel-Deflandre. Lions head coach Ivan “Cash” van Rooyen noted that the team wanted to go ahead with the match to celebrate Hyron and show respect to his wife and children. EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay extended his condolences to the 10bet Lions organization.

Before kickoff, the stadium observed an impeccable minute of silence while Andrews’s No. 5 jersey was laid upon the pitch. The visiting side put up a brave effort before falling 31-14 to La Rochelle in their debut Champions Cup fixture, with Henco van Wyk and Morne Brandon scoring tries for the Johannesburg side.

Family Requests Privacy For Repatriation

The Andrews family has requested privacy and patience from the public as administrative and legal procedures for international transport get underway. According to statements issued by the franchise, a specific timeline for the return of Andrews’s body to South Africa has not yet been established.

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