Rugby Star Hyron Andrews' Cause of Death Revealed as Aortic Tear
The 31-year-old South African Lions player was found unresponsive in a hotel shower cubicle.
The cause of death for 31-year-old rugby player Hyron Andrews has been confirmed as a tear in his aorta, according to an autopsy report. Andrews, who played for the South African Lions, was discovered unresponsive in a locked shower cubicle at the Atalante-Relais Thalasso Hotel in France on Friday, October 21, 2026. Emergency services were called to the scene but were unable to revive him.
The autopsy revealed that the aortic dissection was likely caused by an aortic aneurysm. French authorities 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."
Andrews had recently returned to his native South Africa to join the Lions this summer after a stint with English club Sale, where he made 45 appearances. His former club boss, Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson, remembered Andrews as a "brilliant guy and team-mate" who was skilled on the field and charismatic off it. Sanderson also highlighted Andrews' role as a husband and father.
His body currently remains in France as his family begins the process of repatriation to South Africa. A timeline for his return has not yet been determined. Clubs across Europe paid tribute to Andrews before their matches over the weekend.