South African football is in mourning after World Cup player Jayden Adams was found dead at a property in Cape Town. Police have begun an investigation while officials await the results of the autopsy. The football community paid tribute to the 25-year-old midfielder.
South African police have launched an investigation into the death of World Cup footballer Jayden Adams after his body was found at a property in the Shotts Kloof area of Cape Town on Saturday.
In a statement, police confirmed that an investigation was registered after the body of the 25-year-old man was discovered. Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death and said the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
The family is waiting for answers
Adams' father, Juanito Adams, said the family is awaiting the results of the autopsy before making funeral arrangements.
“As you all know, it was an untimely death. The family is struggling to process it,” he told South African broadcaster eNCA. “It's not going to be easy to keep going. People say it will get easier, but it won't. You just learn to live with it.”
A successful World Cup campaign
The 25-year-old midfielder played in all three of South Africa's group-stage matches, helping the national team reach the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.
He was not involved in South Africa's 1–0 defeat to Canada in the round of 32 on 28 June, just two weeks before his death.
Call for respect and restraint
South African Sports Minister Guyton McKenzie urged the public and media not to speculate about the cause of Adams' death while the investigation continues.
McKenzie also revealed that Adams played in his country's group-stage match against the Czech Republic just hours after learning that his grandmother had died, calling the midfielder's commitment remarkable.
football pays tribute
The soccer world paid its respects during the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, with a moment of silence before the England vs Norway and Argentina vs Switzerland matches.
As the investigation continues, tributes continue to pour in for the player whose performances helped write a memorable chapter in South African football history.