Johannesburg Lions lock Hyron Andrews died of an aortic rupture at the age of 31 on an island off the French Atlantic coast, his franchise announced on Wednesday, October 21.
Autopsy Results Reveal Aortic Dissection
French medical examiners established that Andrews suffered a tear of the aorta due to natural causes, which triggered a severe accumulation of blood within the cavity surrounding the heart. The Lions stated in an official release that the fatal dissection most likely occurred at the site of an aortic aneurysm.
The 31-year-old forward was found in cardiac arrest on Friday while staying with the squad on the Île de Ré in Charente-Maritime. French authorities retained custody of the player’s body following the examination while official procedures continued.
Matchday Tributes at Stade Marcel Deflandre
Despite the tragedy, the Lions proceeded with their scheduled Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle, marking the Johannesburg franchise’s debut in Europe’s premier club competition since South African teams joined during the 2022–23 season. La Rochelle secured a 31-14 bonus-point victory on the pitch, but the afternoon belonged to remembrance.
Players and substitutes from both teams lined up before the opening whistle facing a Johannesburg Lions jersey bearing the number five worn by Andrews. A spontaneous wave of applause swept through Stade Marcel Deflandre in the fifth minute to honor the late lock.
Career Journey Cut Short in France
Standing 2.03 meters tall and weighing 108 kilograms, Andrews built a reputation as a dominant lineout specialist and physical presence during a nine-year stint with the Durban-based Sharks, followed by a period with Sale in England. He signed with the Lions ahead of the European campaign.
The franchise has not yet announced the schedule for repatriating Andrews’ body to South Africa.
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