Cape Town police have opened an inquest into Jayden Adams’ sudden death after his body was found at a property in Schotschekloof on Saturday morning, MSN reports.
Officials, including sport minister Gayton McKenzie, have confirmed the cause remains unknown and urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations proceed.
Unverified local media reports suggested possible suicide, but neither police nor Adams’ club have confirmed this.
Adams’ death has stunned the football community, coming just weeks after he helped South Africa reach the World Cup round of 32 for the first time.
He started against Czechia and Mexico and came off the bench in a historic win over South Korea, before being an unused substitute in the loss to Canada.
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His performances were all the more remarkable given he played through the grief of losing his grandmother on the eve of the tournament.
Adams’ partner, Aqueelah Adendorf, with whom he shared a five-year-old daughter, described him as the love of her life in a heartfelt tribute.
She thanked supporters for their condolences and shared memories of his unwavering support and their shared dreams.
Her pre-World Cup message to him, which resurfaced after his death, praised his discipline, sacrifices, and faith in achieving his football ambitions.
Rising through Stellenbosch FC’s ranks before joining Mamelodi Sundowns, Adams won the CAF Champions League and dedicated the victory to late teammate Oshwin Andries.
