Hyron Andrews died of natural causes after aortic tear, autopsy finds

An autopsy has found that former Sale Sharks second row Hyron Andrews died of natural causes after suffering a tear in his aorta, BBC Sport reported. The 31-year-old was found dead at the Lions' team hotel in France on Saturday, before the Johannesburg side's Champions Cup match against La Rochelle.

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According to the BBC's account of the findings, the tear affected the artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The rupture caused blood to collect in the sac surrounding his heart. The findings identify a medical cause for the death of a player who had joined the Lions during the summer.

Andrews was discovered unconscious in a shower cubicle at the hotel. Investigators had considered several possible explanations, including a fall or a heart attack, before the autopsy findings were reported. The BBC described the eventual finding as an aneurysm, in which a bulging blood vessel breaks. The report did not establish an underlying condition that had caused the problem in Andrews' case.

His body had not yet been returned to South Africa at the time of the report. In a statement issued by the Lions, his wife Maighlin asked for respect, privacy and patience while arrangements to bring him home began. The couple had two young sons. Her request came as the family awaited the repatriation process following his death overseas.

The Lions played their scheduled match against La Rochelle on Saturday in Andrews' honour. Home supporters applauded the visiting team as they entered Stade Marcel-Deflandre, and several Lions players cried during the minute's silence held before kick-off. The tributes formed part of an emotional occasion for team-mates taking the field after his death at their hotel base.

Sale also paid tribute to Andrews, who had spent two and a half seasons with the club before moving to Johannesburg. Director of rugby Alex Sanderson said the squad had loved playing alongside him and spending time in his company. His comments reflected the affection for Andrews among his former team-mates as well as those at his new club.