Authorities announced on Monday that they are looking into the death of South African World Cup football player Jayden Adams, whose body was found over the weekend in Cape Town.
The 25-year-old Adams passed away just two weeks after helping South Africa advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in history.
Details regarding the cause of his death remain undisclosed.
“Cape Town central police have initiated an inquest following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday,” stated the police in a communication to The Associated Press. “The circumstances surrounding this incident are currently under investigation.”
His body was located at a property in Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, around 11 a.m. on Saturday, but further information has not been provided.
Juanito Adams, Jayden’s father, shared with South African news outlet eNCA that the family is awaiting autopsy results and has not yet arranged funeral plans.
“This was an unexpected loss. The family is finding it challenging to cope,” Juanito Adams expressed. “It’s not going to be easy to move forward. People say it will get easier, but it doesn’t. You simply learn to live with it.”
– South African midfielder Jayden Adams passes away at 25
– Adams overcame childhood challenges to make Bafana & Cloetesville proud
Adams participated in all three of South Africa’s group matches, contributing to the nation’s best World Cup performance. He did not play in the round of 32 match against Canada, which ended in a 1-0 defeat on June 28.
South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie commended Adams for his resilience, noting he played against the Czech Republic just hours after receiving the news of his grandmother’s passing. McKenzie urged the public and media to “show restraint and compassion” and refrain from speculating about the circumstances of Adams’ death as investigations continue.
Moments of silence and tributes were held for Adams during the quarterfinal matches between England and Norway, as well as Argentina and Switzerland on Saturday.