South African police are investigating the "untimely" death of 25-year-old soccer star Jayden Adams, the Associated Press reported
"Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation," the police said in a statement on Monday, July 13
Adams' family is still waiting on the results of an autopsy, his father Juanito told a local news station on Sunday
South African police are investigating the death of World Cup player Jayden Adams .
Cape Town police said in a statement to the Associated Press they "registered an inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday" on Monday, July 13. "Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation," the police statement added.
Adams was found dead inside of a property in Cape Town on Saturday, July 11, just two weeks after he helped lead South Africa to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation's history. A cause of death has not been shared.
Jayden Adams on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico Credit: Juan Luis Diaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty
The family is still waiting on the autopsy results, Adams' father Juanito told South African news station eNCA on Sunday, July 12. Juanito also told the outlet there are not currently any plans for a funeral.
"As you all know, it was an untimely death. The family is struggling to process it," Juanito Adams said, according to the AP.
He added, "It won't be easy to carry on. People say it will become easier, but it won't. You just learn to live with it....Like I said, it's very tough. We can see the love the world had for his soccer and for Jayden. It's very overwhelming honestly."
Adams' longtime partner Aqueelah Adendorf shared an emotional tribute to him on social media after his death.
"There are no words to describe the pain I'm feeling," she wrote in her caption. "Rest in peace, my love. Thank you for every memory, every laugh, every hug, and every moment we shared. You were not only the love of my life but also my greatest supporter and my best friend. A part of my heart left with you, and I will carry your love with me forever," Adendorf continued.
"Until we meet again, I'll miss you every single day. Rest easy, my angel. I love you always and forever. 🕊️❤️."
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The South African Football Players Union also memorialized the young player in a statement shared on X , saying Adams was "carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction" throughout the World Cup.
"The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams," the union wrote. "His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large."
The club added, "Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer, but it will never take away the legacy Jayden Adams leaves behind. We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa."
Jayden Adams on June 18, 2026 Credit: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty
Adams began his soccer career as Stellenbosch FC's first graduate to sign a professional contract in August 2020.
He played in all three of South Africa's group stage matches in the 2026 World Cup.
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