Johannesburg Lions say South African’s body remains in France after death by natural causes

The late Hyron Andrews  © Martin Rickett/PA

The sudden death of Hyron Andrews, the former Sale Sharks lock, last Friday was caused by an aortic aneurysm, a French autopsy has revealed.

The 31-year-old South African forward was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle the day before the Johannesburg Lions’ Champions Cup match against La Rochelle. He was pronounced dead at the scene following unsuccessful resuscitation attempts by paramedics.

An autopsy conducted by French authorities showed that Andrews died of natural causes after suffering a tear in the aorta, the main artery, which can be caused by high blood pressure or a birth defect.

His body will remain in France before it can be repatriated to South Africa. A statement from the Lions said: “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 Hyron’s body currently 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.

“The Andrews family asks for respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins. A timeline for the return of Hyron’s body to South Africa has not yet been determined. Further information will be communicated when it becomes available and under the guidance of the family.”

The Lions chose to play their match against La Rochelle in Andrews’ honour, and the French supporters applauded them on to the pitch at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre.

Andrews moved to the Lions from Sale in the summer after 2½ seasons in Salford. Alex Sanderson, the Sale director of rugby, paid tribute to him.

“Hyron was just a brilliant guy and team-mate,” Sanderson said. “He was so skilled on the field but off it, he was always someone you would want to have a beer with.

“He was funny and charismatic in his own unique, dry way and the lads, to a man, loved playing with him and being around him. It was a big move for Hyron and his wife Maighlin to come to England, but he truly made a second home in Manchester and it was incredible to see how he and his family embraced the club and area.

“Most importantly, he was a loving husband and a doting father to his two gorgeous boys. It was an absolute privilege to get to know him. It’s just absolutely devastating for everyone.”