The key facts
- The cause of death was an aortic dissection, likely on an aneurysm, according to the autopsy by French authorities
- Andrews was found in a state of cardiac arrest in a shower cubicle locked from the inside on the eve of the match against La Rochelle
- The rugby player's body remains in France for now; the timing of its return to South Africa has not been determined
Cause of death established
South African lock Khayron Andrews, found dead in the team's hotel before a Champions Cup match in France, died of an aortic dissection, the Johannesburg-based Lions franchise reported. According to the club's statement, the dissection apparently occurred against the background of an aortic aneurysm. French authorities, who conducted the autopsy of the 31-year-old player, established the cause of death as an aortic rupture 'from natural causes', which led to a significant accumulation of blood in the pericardial sac.
Circumstances of the discovery
Andrews was found in a state of cardiac arrest in a shower cubicle locked from the inside last Friday — on the eve of his team's match against La Rochelle.
The match despite the tragedy
Despite what happened, the Lions played their debut match in the Champions Cup and lost to La Rochelle 14:31 on Saturday. Before the game, a minute of silence was held, during which the players and substitutes lined up in front of the Lions jersey bearing Andrews's number five. In the fifth minute of the match, a spontaneous wave of applause swept through the Stade Marcel-Deflandre in memory of the player.
Player's career
Andrews began his career at the Sharks franchise from Durban and played for the South Africa national team at under-20 level. After two seasons at English side Sale Sharks, he returned home at the beginning of this year.
Return of the body
The club reported that Andrews's body remains in France for now, and the timing of its return to South Africa 'has not yet been determined'.
