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Lions Rugby Confirms Hyron Andrews Died From Aortic Dissection After Autopsy Found Aortic Tear
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Autopsy confirms Hyron Andrews died from aortic dissection at his France hotel. Died at team hotel in France ahead of Champions Cup match against La Rochelle.
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Autopsy Confirms Aortic Tear
Hyron Andrews, the 31-year-old South African Lions second row, died of an aortic dissection after an autopsy found a tear in the aorta that led to blood filling the muscle sac surrounding his heart. Lions Rugby Company said the French authorities 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”. The BBC reported that Andrews was found unconscious in a shower cubicle, with investigators working on the theory that he had either suffered a fall, a heart attack or, as transpired, an aneurysm.
The Lions confirmed that the dissection was “most likely occurred on an aortic aneurysm,” and the club said Andrews’ body remained in France as the repatriation process begins. The Lions and their opponents marked Andrews’ death with tributes around the Champions Cup match against La Rochelle, with the French side winning 31-14.
Tributes Before Kick-Off
The Lions decided to play their Investec Champions Cup match against La Rochelle in Andrews’ honour, and the Stade Marcel-Deflandre crowd applauded the visitors into the ground.
The BBC said several of the Lions players were in tears during a minute's silence before kick-off, and Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said his team “to a man, loved playing with Hyron and being around him”.
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen highlighted the impact Andrews had on those around him and said the decision to play reflected his personality and the bond among his teammates.
Cordoba XV quoted van Rooyen saying, “He was a humble and kind guy that people were drawn to. He had the ability to bring people together,” as the match was marked by emotion and tributes.
The French authorities completed the autopsy, and the Lions said the cause of death was a naturally caused tear in the aorta that produced a significant accumulation of blood in the sac surrounding the heart.
Repatriation Timeline Unset
The Lions asked for privacy as the repatriation process begins, and the BBC reported that Andrews’ wife Maighlin asked for “respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins”. The Lions Rugby Company said “A timeline for the return of Hyron’s body to South Africa has not yet been determined,” and the club said further information would be communicated when it becomes available. The New York Times reported that the Lions statement said the timeline for the return of Hyron’s body to South Africa had not yet been determined and that “Further information will be communicated when it becomes available and under the guidance of the family,”.
The cause of death was tied to an aortic aneurysm, and the BBC described the tear in the aorta as a rare and dangerous medical condition that can be caused by undetected high blood pressure or a birth defect. The Lions said the autopsy was conducted by French authorities and that Andrews’ body remained in their care in France as the family prepared for the next steps.