Gayton: STOP spreading misinformation about Jayden Adams’ cause of death
· The South African
The South African football community has been plunged into deep mourning following the tragic and untimely passing of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson FC Van Wyk, authorities discovered Adams’ body at a residential premises in the Schotsche Kloof neighbourhood of central Cape Town around 11:00 on Saturday.
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Police have officially registered an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. At this stage, police have not reported signs of foul play, but they maintain that the investigation into the exact context of the incident remains actively ongoing.
Jayden Adams’ official cause of death has not yet been confirmed
In light of unconfirmed rumours, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, issued a direct plea alongside soccer officials, urging both the public and the media to practice restraint.
On Monday, one social media user spread what McKenzie emphatically insisted was false information that suggested Jayden Adams’ “cause of death was not suicide or depression, but excessive alcohol consumption that led to him collapsing”.
In response, McKenzie stated: “I can absolutely hundred percent tell you that you are wrong. Just stop.”
I can absolutely hundred percent tell you that you are wrong. Just stop. https://t.co/efJ655aDKB
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 13, 2026
Heartbreaking circumstances
Speaking on behalf of the family, Jayden’s father, Juanito Adams, stated that they are currently awaiting the results of an official autopsy before making funeral arrangements.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, 12 July, Juanito described the past few days as overwhelming.
“As you all know, it was an untimely death. The family is struggling to process it,” he said.
“It won’t be easy to carry on. People say it gets easier, but it doesn’t. You simply learn to live with it.”
Juanito thanked South Africans and the global football community for the support they have shown the family.
“We can see the love the world had for Jayden. It’s very overwhelming.”
Jayden’s longtime partner, Aqueelah Adendorf, also shared a touching tribute on social media.
“There are no words to describe the pain I’m feeling.
“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.”
Adams’ tragic passing comes just two weeks after he represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The talented midfielder played a pivotal role in Bafana Bafana’s historic campaign as South Africa reached the knockout stages for the first time in history.