South African Soccer Star Jayden Adams Found Dead

Police in Cape Town, South Africa are investigating the death of World Cup soccer player Jayden Adams. His body was discovered this weekend at a property in Cape Town.

The 25-year-old died two weeks after contributing to South Africa’s first-ever advancement to the knockout stage of a World Cup. Authorities have not disclosed the cause of his death.

‘Cape Town central police registered an inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday,’ police stated to The Associated Press.

The body was found in the Schotsche Kloof area of Cape Town around 11 a.m. Saturday, but further details remain scarce.

Adams’ father, Juanito Adams, shared with South African television channel eNCA that the family is awaiting autopsy results and has not yet arranged funeral plans. The family is struggling to process the untimely death, he said. It is not easy to carry on, despite people saying you learn to live with it.

During the World Cup, Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group matches, leading to their best performance at the tournament. He was absent from the 1-0 defeat against Canada in the round of 32 on June 28.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie revealed that Adams played in a match against the Czech Republic mere hours after his grandmother passed away. McKenzie urged the public and media to exercise restraint and compassion and avoid speculation about the cause of death during the ongoing investigation.

A moment of silence was observed and tributes paid to Adams during the England vs. Norway and Argentina vs. Switzerland World Cup quarterfinal matches on Saturday.