Cape Town – Hyron Andrews’s wife, Maighlin, has paid an emotional tribute to the late Lions rugby player, describing him as an exceptional father and the kindest man she had ever known.
Andrews died suddenly last Friday in France, where the Lions were preparing to face La Rochelle. His death has left his family, teammates and the wider rugby community mourning the loss.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Maighlin reflected on their relationship, their two sons and the future they had planned together.
“Oh my Hyron, my baby. I’m not sure if there will ever be enough words to describe how much you mean to me, our boys, and your family, friends, and teammates all over the world,” she wrote.
She said their children were the centre of Andrews’s life and that becoming a father was among his greatest achievements.
“You were the absolute BEST father and they were your everything. I know your proudest achievement was our family,” she said.
The couple married in 2022 and welcomed two sons, Hendrix and Emerson.
Maighlin said the sudden loss was particularly painful because they had expected to share many more years and experiences together.
“We had so many plans, so much life left to live and things to experience. It doesn’t seem possible we were just swimming in the pool and saying ‘see you soon’ as you left for the airport,” she wrote.
A decade of love and memories
Maighlin traced their relationship back to 2016, when they met in Durban, before spending six years managing a long-distance relationship.
Their journey included an engagement in Ireland, their wedding in Michigan in the United States, raising their children and moving between South Africa and England.
She described Andrews as humble, generous and always willing to help people in need.
An official statement regarding the cause of Hyron’s passing has been released.
https://t.co/x1YrgqHwWT https://t.co/P7wspTie63
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) October 21, 2026
“You were the kindest and most humble man I have ever known. Truly would give your shirt off your back to anyone in need and always stopped to buy food for anyone who asked,” she wrote.
She added that she had never known anyone who did not immediately take to him.
“You lived and loved to the fullest and your influence and impact will never be forgotten,” she said.
‘I pray that I can raise these boys to be good men like you’
As she comes to terms with the loss, Maighlin said her focus would be on raising their sons and ensuring they understand the kind of man their father was.
“I pray that God guides us through this unimaginable time. I pray that I can raise these boys to be good men like you,” she wrote.
She also expressed hope that Andrews had passed peacefully, knowing how deeply he was loved, and said she found comfort in the thought of him being reunited with family members who had died before him.
Ending her tribute, she wrote: “I love you. I miss you. I’m lost without you. Rest easy my love.”
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Picture: Facebook/ Maighlin Andrews
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
