The Lions have confirmed that second-row Hyron Andrews died from an aortic dissection, after the 31-year-old was found unresponsive in a hotel shower cubicle on the morning of the club's Champions Cup debut against La Rochelle.
Andrews, who had recently joined the Lions after returning to South Africa from England, was pronounced dead at the scene despite attempts by emergency services to revive him. South African Rugby Union officials initially reported that he had died following a fall at the hotel, prompting an investigation.
Post-Mortem Findings
Following a post-mortem examination, the Lions issued an official statement confirming the cause of death. The statement read: "Lions Rugby Company, on behalf of the Andrews family, confirms that, following an autopsy report, Hyron's death was found to be caused by an aortic dissection. This dissection most likely occurred on an aortic aneurysm."
The French authorities, who conducted the autopsy and in whose care Andrews's body 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'.
Family's Request and Tribute
The Andrews family asked for respect, privacy and patience during the repatriation process, with no timeline yet determined for the return of his body to South Africa. Andrews, a former Sale Sharks lock, is survived by his wife Maiglin and their two young sons.
The Lions proceeded with Saturday's fixture against La Rochelle, with both sides paying respects before kick-off. His No. 5 jersey was placed on the pitch as players stood for a minute's silence, with several visibly emotional.
Criticism and Support
The decision to play so soon after the tragedy drew criticism from former England internationals Chris Ashton and Danny Care, who questioned whether players should have taken the field. The Lions are set to return to URC action this Friday against Edinburgh, whose attack coach Tim Sampson confirmed head coach Sean Everitt had contacted people within the Johannesburg club to offer support.
