Former Sale Sharks lock Hyron Andrews died after suffering a fatal tear in his aorta, a post-mortem examination has confirmed.
The 31-year-old South African rugby player, who recently joined the Johannesburg-based Lions, was discovered unconscious in a shower at the team’s hotel in France ahead of a Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle.
The arterial rupture caused blood to accumulate around his heart, resulting in his death.
Andrews’ body has yet to be repatriated to South Africa, while his wife Maighlin, with whom he had two young sons, has requested privacy as the family prepares for his return.
The Lions proceeded with Saturday’s match in his memory, with emotional scenes during a pre-match tribute and applause from La Rochelle supporters. His former club Sale also honoured Andrews, with director of rugby Alex Sanderson recalling the affection and respect he commanded among his teammates.
At least 10 prominent athletes DIED UNEXPECTEDLY or were struck by anomalous medical emergencies in JUST the last 21 days.
Large numbers of sports stars continue to drop like flies since the mRNA gene therapies were rolled out.
In October 2026 ALONE:
• Jalen Hurts, 28 (NFL, Philadelphia Eagles) — Blood clots in BOTH lungs
• Allen Bailey, 37 (Former NFL, Chiefs/Falcons) — Found DEAD at home
• Ben Kindel, 19 (NHL, Pittsburgh Penguins) — Medical emergency on team flight
• Kasey Redfern, 35 (Former NFL, Lions/Falcons) — DEAD from CNS lymphoma
• DJ Jones, 18 (NCAA Football, Missouri Tigers) — HEART TRANSPLANT
• Heidi Burge Horton, 54 (Former WNBA, LA Sparks/Washington Mystics) — DEAD from brain cancer
• Hyron Andrews, 31 (Professional Rugby, Johannesburg Lions) — DEAD from aortic dissection
• Cheryl Waaka, 56 (Former Rugby, New Zealand Black Ferns) — DEAD from bowel cancer
• Eirik Skadsdammen, 45 (Former Pro Hockey, Storhamar/Norway) — DEAD from cardiac arrest
• Jack Davies, 24 (Welsh Rugby, RGC/Caernarfon) — DEAD, cause undisclosed
This is NOT normal.
— Nicolas Hulscher, MPH (@NicHulscher) October 21, 2026
An official statement regarding the cause of Hyron’s passing has been released.
https://t.co/x1YrgqHwWT https://t.co/P7wspTie63
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) October 21, 2026
The most silent minute of silence I’ve ever not heard
Respect https://t.co/4wpEDeXbXz
— Pseudo Moi (@moi_pseudo) October 16, 2026
