South Africa's Hyron Andrews died of natural causes
An autopsy revealed the 31-year-old Lions player suffered a fatal tear in his aorta.
Hyron Andrews, a 31-year-old player for the Johannesburg-based Lions, died of natural causes. An autopsy found he suffered a tear in his aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart, which led to blood accumulating around his heart.
Andrews was found unconscious in a hotel shower in France before a Champions Cup match. Investigators initially considered a fall or heart attack but the autopsy confirmed an aneurysm, a rupture of the bulging blood vessel, as the cause. His body has not yet been returned to South Africa.
Andrews' wife, Maighlin, has requested privacy as the repatriation process begins. Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys stated the team is supporting players through the unexpected death that occurred just before a game.
Why it mattersHyron Andrews, a player for the South African team the Lions, died while on tour in France.