Police are investigating the death of South Africa World Cup soccer player Jayden Adams, whose body was discovered on Saturday at a property in Cape Town. Adams, 25, died two weeks after helping South Africa reach the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time.
Authorities have not released a cause of death. Cape Town central police registered an inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body, stating that "Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation." The body was found at a property in the Schotsche Kloof neighborhood around 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Adams’ father, Juanito Adams, told South African TV news station eNCA that the family is awaiting autopsy results and has not yet made funeral plans. He described the death as untimely and said the family is struggling to process it.
Jayden Adams played in all three of South Africa's group games during the World Cup. He did not participate in the team's round of 32 match against Canada on June 28.
South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie stated that Adams had played in his team's group game against the Czech Republic hours after learning of his grandmother's death. McKenzie urged the public and media to show restraint and compassion and to avoid speculation while the investigation proceeds.
Tributes and moments of silence were observed for Adams at the World Cup quarterfinal games between England and Norway, and Argentina and Switzerland, on Saturday.