Hyron Andrews Died of Natural Causes, Autopsy Reveals
An autopsy concluded that Hyron Andrews, the former Sale Sharks second row found dead at his new team's hotel, died from a tear in the aorta.
An autopsy has determined that Hyron Andrews, the former Sale Sharks player who was found dead at his new team's hotel before a Champions Cup match, died of natural causes. The 31-year-old suffered a tear in his aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Andrews was discovered unconscious in a shower cubicle. Investigators had initially considered possibilities including a fall or heart attack, but the autopsy confirmed an aneurysm, a rupture of a bulging blood vessel, as the cause of death. A tear in the aorta is a rare and potentially fatal condition that can be linked to undetected high blood pressure or congenital defects.
Andrews had joined the Johannesburg-based Lions this summer. His body has yet to be returned to his native South Africa. His wife, Maighlin, has requested privacy during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins, according to a statement released by the Lions.
In his honor, Andrews' teammates proceeded with their scheduled game against La Rochelle on Saturday. The Lions were met with applause from the home crowd at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre, and a minute of silence was observed before the match, during which many Lions players appeared emotional.
Sale Sharks, where Andrews spent two and a half seasons, also paid tribute to the former player. Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson commented that the team "to a man, loved playing with Hyron and being around him."