Hyron Andrews died from Aortic Dissection, autopsy finds
An autopsy has confirmed Lions lock Hyron Andrews died from an aortic dissection caused by natural causes in France.
Lions lock Hyron Andrews died from an aortic dissection caused by natural causes, an autopsy conducted by French authorities has found.
The 31-year-old died in France on October 16 while the Lions were preparing for their Investec Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle.
Autopsy confirms cause of Andrews’ death
The Lions Rugby Company released an official statement on behalf of the Andrews family confirming that Andrews’ death was caused by an aortic dissection.
According to the club, the dissection most likely occurred on an aortic aneurysm.
French authorities described the cause of death as a tear in the aorta that led to a significant accumulation of blood within the sac surrounding the heart.
“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 statement continued.
“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 findings clarify the cause of death after earlier reports said Andrews had been found in cardiac arrest, while initial statements had referred to a fall or accident at the team hotel.
Andrews’ body remains in France
Andrews’ body remains in the care of French authorities while arrangements are made for his repatriation to South Africa.
“The Andrews family asks for respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins,” the Lions said.
