South African lock Hyron Andrews died of an aortic dissection on Friday, October 16, in his team’s hotel in France, according to the autopsy results released on Wednesday, October 21, by the Lions.
The club specified, on behalf of the family, that the aortic tear most likely occurred on an aortic aneurysm. French authorities described a natural cause that led to a significant accumulation of blood around the heart.
The 31-year-old player was found unconscious in the shower of the hotel where the Lions were staying before their European match in La Rochelle. Emergency responders were unable to revive him.
The Champions Cup match between La Rochelle and the Lions was held the following day in tribute to the player. Both teams paid tribute to him before kickoff.
Hyron Andrews joined the Lions this season after a stint with the Sale Sharks in England. He had previously played for several years with the Durban Sharks and wore the South African under-20 jersey twice in 2015.
His body remains under the responsibility of the French authorities during the organization of the repatriation to South Africa. No timetable has yet been set, according to the statement issued on behalf of his family.
