Fresh details have emerged regarding the final hours of South Africa international Jayden Adams before his tragic death, as investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who featured for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was discovered dead at a residence in Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, on July 11.
Following the incident, the South African Police Service (SAPS) launched an inquest. Authorities are yet to confirm the official cause of his death.
Report outlines alleged final hours
News24 reported that Adams allegedly had a disagreement with his girlfriend, Aqueelah Adendorf, after banking notifications reflecting money spent during a night out reportedly appeared on her phone.
According to the publication, the pair later settled their differences before Adams spent time with friends, who allegedly observed that he appeared emotionally troubled.
News24 further reported that Adams spoke with his father, Juanito, at around 8 a.m. that morning and allegedly told him he “can’t take it anymore.”
Rapport, as referenced by Daily Voice, also reported that Adams, Adendorf, his brother Ronaldo and several friends had spent the previous evening together.
The publication alleged that the disagreement resumed after the group returned to an apartment in Cape Town.
Neither publication stated that the claims had been independently confirmed by police, while Adendorf reportedly declined to comment when approached.
Football community pays tribute
The passing of Adams has deeply affected the South African football community, arriving only weeks after he played a key role in helping Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At a memorial service held in Stellenbosch, South Africa captain Ronwen Williams paid an emotional tribute to his late teammate.
“We will miss your quality, your passes, your vision and your brotherhood. We will never forget you. We will carry you in our hearts, carry you on our sleeves, carry you on this badge and forever you will remain part of us.”
𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗝𝗔𝗬𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗠𝗦 💛
The Masandawana family came together to honour Jayden, laying flowers and sharing a moment of prayer in his memory.
Forever in our hearts, Grootman. 💛#Sundowns #RIPJayden pic.twitter.com/P7jOjmjDSc
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) July 17, 2026
A representative of the South African Football Association also described Adams as “a beacon of hope, a gentle soul and a young man whose brightest chapters were still being written.”
Reports further revealed that Adams had experienced a number of personal tragedies in recent years, including the deaths of his grandmother and former Stellenbosch teammate Oshwin Andries. His funeral has been scheduled for July 25.
