Police in South Africa have launched an investigation into the death of 25-year-old World Cup footballer Jayden Adams, whose body was discovered at a property in Cape Town over the weekend. Adams’ passing comes just two weeks after he helped the national team reach the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation, with authorities yet to release a cause of death.
Cape Town central police registered an inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body on Saturday. The body was found at a property in the Cape Town neighbourhood of Schotsche Kloof at around 11 am. Adams’ father, Juanito Adams, told South African TV news station eNCA on Sunday that the family was currently awaiting the results of an autopsy and had not yet made any funeral plans.
He described the family’s struggle to process the untimely death, saying it won’t become easier, but they will learn to live with it. The young player featured in all three of South Africa’s group games, contributing to their best-ever World Cup performance. South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie revealed that Adams had played in his team’s group game against the Czech Republic just hours after learning of his grandmother’s death.
Tributes were paid to Adams with moments of silence observed at Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final matches between England and Norway and then Argentina vs Switzerland. England and Argentina proceeded to book their spots in the semi-finals and will meet on Wednesday, while the other last-four encounter will see 2018 winners France take on 2010 champions Spain on Tuesday. The public and media have been urged to exercise restraint and compassion and refrain from speculating on the cause of death during the ongoing investigation.
