South Africa rugby player Hyron Andrews dies in France ahead of Champions Cup game
South African rugby player Hyron Andrews was found dead in a hotel in France while traveling for a Champions Cup match. Local authorities are investigating the death as a potential accident.
Why it matters
The sudden death of a professional athlete has caused significant mourning within the international rugby community.
Sharks' Hyron Andrews (right) has died in France. Photo / AFP
South African second row Hyron Andrews of Johannesburg-based side the Lions was found dead at a hotel in France on Friday, on the eve of his team’s Champions Cup match against La Rochelle, local authorities told AFP.
A source close to the investigation said the 31-year-old lock was found in cardiac arrest in a shower cubicle that was locked from the inside.
The public prosecutor in La Rochelle, western France, confirmed that an investigation had been opened to determine the cause of death, which occurred on the island of Ile de Re, and said that an accidental death was the leading line of inquiry.
An autopsy is due to be carried out, the source close to the investigation said.
“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community,” the Lions said.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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Lions player Hyron Andrews found dead before Champions Cup game against La Rochelle
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