Autopsy confirms Irish legend's cause of death

Tue, Oct 18, 2016, 8:17 PM
AFP
by AFP
Death of Munster Coach "linked to a cardiac problem" Photo: AFP
Death of Munster Coach "linked to a cardiac problem" Photo: AFP

Munster and Ireland rugby legend Anthony Foley died of an "acute pulmonary edema", an autopsy revealed Tuesday.

 

According to the autopsy, the 42-year-old Foley "had a heart rhythm disorder that caused an acute pulmonary edema", the Nanterre public prosecutor west of Paris told AFP.

Pulmonary edema is a build-up of fluid in the lungs that can lead to respiratory failure.

His death could therefore "be linked to a cardiac problem", the prosecutor added, without giving any further details.
Munster fans led tributes in Ireland and Paris. Photo: Getty ImagesOther toxicological analyses are under way, with results due in the coming weeks.

The prosecutor also issued a burial permit, with the body free to be released to the family.

Foley, the head coach of Munster, was found dead in his hotel room hours before his side were to play Racing 92 in the European Champions Cup in Paris on Sunday.

The robust backrow forward won 62 caps for Ireland, captaining the team on three occasions. He also led Munster to the European title in 2006.

Share
AS IT HAPPENED: AUNZ Invitational XV blown away by British & Irish Lions in Adelaide
Duhan van der Merwe scored a hat-trick as the British & Irish Lions rolled through AUNZ. Photo: Getty Images
Lions the Brave as Scottish wave takes over AUNZ, Adelaide in shutout win
The All Blacks made it back-to-back wins over France in a convincing victory. Photo: Getty Images
All Blacks score six tries to hammer under-strength France
Emotions boil over as Wales snap 18-game losing streak against Japan