French prosecutor investigates Hyron Andrews death as suspected accident

French authorities have opened an investigation to establish how Lions lock Hyron Andrews died. Investigators are working on the basis that his death was a suspected accident, and an autopsy will be carried out.

La Rochelle public prosecutor Arnaud Laraize confirmed to AFP that he had opened the investigation into the cause of death. Andrews, 31, died on the morning of Friday 16 October after a fall at the Lions team hotel on the Île de Ré, a day before the side's Champions Cup match against La Rochelle on Saturday 17 October.

What the prosecutor's office has said

Andrews was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle in the hotel's spa area, and the shower was locked from the inside. There were no signs of violence on his body, and the office said it does not currently see the involvement of a third party as likely.

SA Rugby has also described the death as an accident, saying in a statement that Andrews died after a fall at the team hotel.

"This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community," said Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.

Lions decide to play on

The Lions squad decided together to go ahead with the La Rochelle match and play it in honour of their teammate, as the club confirmed before kick-off. A moment's silence for Andrews will be held before every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match this weekend.

Born in Paarl, Andrews played for the Junior Springboks in 2015. Before joining the Lions he played for the Sharks and for Sale Sharks. He went to Sale in February 2024 as injury cover for England lock Jonny Hill and made 45 appearances for the club.

"Hyron was just a brilliant guy and a brilliant teammate," said Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson.