Authorities in South Africa have launched an investigation into the unexpected death of Jayden Adams, a prominent player who represented the nation in World Cup matches.
Adams, who was 25 years old, had showcased his talent in all three of South Africa’s group stage games last month. His demise was officially confirmed by the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) over the weekend.
With the cause of death still undisclosed, Cape Town police have announced they are delving into the circumstances surrounding Adams’ passing.
“An inquest has been registered for investigation by the Cape Town central police after the body of a 25-year-old male was found on Saturday,” officials informed the Associated Press.
“The circumstances of this incident are currently under scrutiny,” added the police.
His father, Juanito Adams, has said that the family is still waiting to make funeral plans.
“As you all know, it was an untimely death. The family is struggling to process it,” Juanito told South African TV news station eNCA.
“It won’t be easy to carry on. People say it will become easier, but it won’t. You just learn to live with it.”
Adams played in the tournament with a heavy heart, as his grandmother died one day before South Africa’s 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic.
Later, after his team beat South Korea to advance to the Round of 32, Adams could be seen quietly sitting in the corner while his teammates jubilantly celebrated the win.
His body was found inside a house in Schotsche Kloof at 11:06 a.m. local time on Saturday, Western Cape South African Police Service spokesperson F.C. van Wyk told ESPN.
Adams reportedly shared a five-year-old daughter with his partner, Aqueelah Adendorf.
“Watching you achieve something this big has filled my heart with so much pride,” Adendorf wrote on Instagram weeks before the tournament.
“From the hard work, sacrifices, early mornings, disappointments, and moments nobody saw — you kept going, stayed disciplined, and trusted God through it all. And now look at you… representing your country on the national team.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also called Adams’ death “incredibly sad,” while the SAFPU also mourned his passing.
“South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer,” they said. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Adams did not play in South Africa’s final game, a 1-0 loss to Canada in the Round of 32.