South African rugby player Hyron Andrews dies ahead of Lions game with La Rochelle
South African rugby player Hyron Andrews has died in France at the age of 31. An investigation is underway, though authorities currently report no signs of third-party involvement in his death.
Why it matters
The sudden death of a professional athlete is a significant event in the sports world, prompting tributes from his team and the broader rugby community.
South African rugby player Hyron Andrews died in France on Friday on the eve of the men’s European Champions Cup game between the Johannesburg-based Lions and La Rochelle.
Both SA Rugby, the governing body in South Africa, and the Lions confirmed the 31-year-old lock forward’s identity.
The gendarmerie in the Charente-Maritime department previously said an unnamed player had died on the Île de Ré, where the Lions were staying in a hotel.
La Rochelle prosecutor Arnaud Laraize told The Associated Press the player was found in a shower cubicle, which was locked from the inside, on Friday morning. He had undergone a hammam session about an hour earlier.
Laraize said he had shown no signs of health problems in the preceding days, according to his entourage.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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