Sport2 min(s) read
Tragedy as rugby star, 31, is 'found dead in shower cubicle' day before huge clash
.webp_lli6Ty?tr=cr-74.9.445.380,f-webp,q-70,w-100)
South African rugby star Hyron Andrews has died at the age of 31 after reportedly being found unresponsive in the shower.
According to French reports shared by The Sun, Andrews was reportedly found unresponsive in a shower cubicle at a hotel just outside of La Rochelle on Friday morning, one day before the Lions’ opening European Champions Cup game.
It is believed that the Lions star may have died from an apparent heart attack, and despite emergency services attending, he was unable to be resuscitated.
Andrews was in France with the rugby union team, staying on Ile de Re, ahead of the planned game with La Rochelle.
His fellow Lions players are set to be provided with psychological support, as are employees of the hotel, in teh wake of Andrews' sudden death.
The game on Saturday is still set to go ahead, with the club stating that they will play in honor of Andrews.
Lions said in a statement: "The Lions Rugby Company is deeply saddened by the passing of player Hyron Andrews while on tour.
"This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community.
"The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock forward was a valued member of the Lions family, and his loss will be felt profoundly by his teammates, coaches, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
"Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Hyron’s wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family.
"We hold them in our thoughts during this time of unimaginable grief and ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn."
Lions Rugby Company CEO Rudolf Straeuli added: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron.
"He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season."
An inquest is believed to have been opened by local authorities following the unexpected death, with an autopsy planned in order to determine the cause of death.
It comes exactly 10 years to the day after Munster’s head coach Anthony Foley died in a French hotel on October 16, 2016, a night before they were set to play against Racing 92.
Our thoughts remain with Andrews' friends and fans in the wake of this tragic news.