South African rugby player Hyron Andrews, 31, has died after being found unresponsive in a shower at a hotel in La Rochelle, France, on the eve of a Champions Cup fixture. An investigation into the circumstances of his death has been opened, and an autopsy will be carried out.
Investigation launched after death in hotel shower
Andrews was discovered unresponsive on Friday morning in a shower cubicle in the hotel's spa area. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him, but their efforts were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The La Rochelle prosecutor's office stated to French media: "He was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle located in the hotel's spa area. The shower was locked from the inside." They added: "There are no signs of violence on his body, and the involvement of a third party is not currently considered a likely scenario. An investigation into the cause of death has been entrusted to the gendarmerie."
The public prosecutor of La Rochelle, Arnaud Laraize, confirmed to AFP that he had opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. He noted that an accidental death was currently the primary line of enquiry, before confirming that an autopsy would be carried out.
South African Rugby confirms accident
Following initial reports, the Lions confirmed the player's identity before announcing they would go ahead with Saturday's Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais as a tribute to him. In an official statement, South African Rugby declared his death had been an "accident", revealing that the 31-year-old had "died after a fall".
Andrews, who was born in Paarl, had joined the Lions during the summer, appearing in their opening three URC fixtures against Leinster, Ospreys and Bulls. He had previously turned out for the Junior Springboks back in 2015.
Tributes from Sale Sharks and the Sharks
Sale's director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, paid tribute to Andrews on Friday, saying: "Hyron was just a brilliant guy and a brilliant team-mate. He was so skilled on the field but off it, he was always someone you would want to have a beer with."
His former Durban-based club, the Sharks, also paid tribute, stating that they joined the Lions and "the greater South African rugby fraternity in mourning a player who gave so much to the game and a man who meant so much to so many". Sharks CEO Shaun Bryans said: "We are devastated by the passing of Hyron. Words feel very small right now to express the shock and sadness we all feel at losing someone who still had so much life ahead of him and so much still to give."
