Authorities in South Africa are investigating the passing of World Cup footballer Jayden Adams, whose body was found at a residence in Cape Town over the weekend. The 25-year-old’s death comes merely two weeks following his contribution to the national team’s advancement to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in history. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
“Cape Town central police have opened an inquest following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday,” stated law enforcement in a communication sent to The Associated Press. “The circumstances surrounding this incident are currently under investigation.”
Police confirmed that Adams’ body was located in the Schotsche Kloof neighborhood of Cape Town around 11 a.m. on Saturday, but they have not released additional information.
Adams represented South Africa at the World Cup
Juanito Adams, Jayden’s father, informed South African news channel eNCA on Sunday that the family awaits the autopsy results and has not yet organized any funeral arrangements. “It was an unexpected loss,” Mr. Adams shared. “The family is finding it difficult to cope. While people might say it becomes easier, it really doesn’t; you just learn to live with it.”
The young athlete participated in all three of South Africa’s group matches, contributing to their best World Cup performance to date, although he was absent from the squad during the round of 32 match against Canada, which ended in a 1-0 defeat on June 28.
South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie revealed that Adams played in a group match against the Czech Republic just hours after receiving news about his grandmother’s passing. He urged both the public and media to “show restraint and empathy” and avoid speculation regarding the circumstances of his death while the investigation is ongoing.
Tributes poured in for Adams, with moments of silence observed during the World Cup quarterfinals between England and Norway, and Argentina vs. Switzerland last Saturday. England and Argentina advanced to the semi-finals and are set to face each other on Wednesday, while the other semifinal will feature the 2018 champions France competing against 2010 champions Spain on Tuesday.