The cause of death of South African rugby player Hyron Andrews has been confirmed as an aortic dissection, following an autopsy conducted by French authorities after the 31-year-old lock died in France last week, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The Lions Rugby Company released a statement on Wednesday on behalf of the Andrews family, confirming that the fatal medical emergency was most likely associated with an aortic aneurysm.
French authorities, who conducted the post-mortem examination, 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.’
Andrews’ death has sent shockwaves through the South African rugby community, with the player having only recently joined the Lions after previously spending several seasons with the Sharks.
Andrews was reportedly found unresponsive in the shower at the Lions’ team hotel on the Île de Ré in France last Friday. The team was in the country ahead of its Investec Champions Cup encounter against La Rochelle when the incident occurred. Emergency services were called to the hotel shortly after 10:20am, but efforts to resuscitate the rugby player were unsuccessful.
His death came as a devastating blow to his teammates and the wider rugby community, particularly given his recent move to the Johannesburg-based franchise. The autopsy has now provided an explanation for his sudden death, identifying an aortic dissection as the cause.
An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, the body’s largest artery. Blood can then flow between the layers of the artery wall, creating a potentially life-threatening condition.
An aortic aneurysm, meanwhile, involves an abnormal bulge or enlargement in the wall of a blood vessel. The Lions’ statement said Andrews’ dissection most likely occurred on an aortic aneurysm.
Although the condition can develop without warning, the statement did not provide further details about Andrews’ medical history or whether he had previously been diagnosed with an aneurysm. The findings confirmed by French authorities attributed his death to natural causes.
Family asks for privacy as repatriation begins
While the cause of death has been established, arrangements to bring Andrews’ body back to South Africa are still under way. His body remains in the care of French authorities, and no confirmed date has been announced for his return. In its statement, the Lions said the family had asked for understanding during an exceptionally difficult period.
‘The Andrews family asks for respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins.’
-The Lions.
The family will communicate further information when it becomes available and when appropriate, the Lions confirmed.
A career spanning the Sharks and Lions
Andrews joined the Lions from English club Sale Sharks ahead of the current season and had already featured in all three of the franchise’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship matches.
Before his move, he spent a significant part of his professional career with the Sharks, representing the Durban-based side from 2015 to 2024. He also earned two appearances for the Junior Springboks in 2015.
His career took him from South African rugby to England and back, making his sudden death an especially painful loss for the teams and supporters who had followed his journey.
As the rugby community comes to terms with the news, the focus remains on supporting his family and allowing them the privacy they have requested while arrangements for his return to South Africa continue.
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