Stellenbosch – The football world and South Africa are mourning the tragic passing of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams, who reportedly took his own life on Saturday morning. Heartbreaking details have emerged about his final hours, including a desperate phone call to his father, Juanito, where he reportedly said he “couldn’t take it anymore.”
The 25-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns player’s death has left his family, friends, and fans in profound shock. A private memorial service was held at Stellenbosch Town Hall on 16 July, where his football shirt was displayed as a poignant tribute to his promising career cut short.
According to a family member who spoke to News24’s sister publication Rapport, Adams and his girlfriend, Aqueelah Adendorf, had been involved in a heated argument that began during a night out in Athlone and continued into the early hours of Saturday. This domestic dispute, coupled with other personal struggles, appears to have contributed to his distressed state.
Tensions reportedly escalated on Friday night when Adams and Adendorf, accompanied by Adams’ brother Ronaldo and a group of friends, went to The Address nightclub on Old Klipfontein Road in Athlone. The group had planned to unwind and watch a football match between Spain and Belgium.
The dispute reportedly stemmed from Adams paying for the evening’s outing. Each time he used his debit card, Adendorf received an SMS notification from their joint bank account on her phone. She allegedly became upset about the spending, sparking an argument between the couple that would tragically escalate.
At around midnight, Adams, Adendorf, and others left the nightclub in Adams’ Golf 7, heading to the Forty On L complex in Military Road, Bo-Kaap, where Adams had rented an apartment. The argument reportedly continued there, with Adendorf allegedly expressing unhappiness that several of Adams’ friends had arrived at the apartment.
According to a relative, tensions flared again at about 05:00 on Saturday morning. A few hours later, at around 08:00, a visibly distressed Adams made a phone call to his father, Juanito. During this call, he reportedly uttered the chilling words that he “couldn’t take it anymore” and was “going to kill himself.”
“It was a cry for help, like an emotional breakdown,” the relative added, highlighting the profound distress Adams was experiencing in his final moments.
Overcome with concern, Juanito immediately rushed from his home in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch, to the apartment complex in Bo-Kaap. Upon his arrival, he was met with the devastating news that Jayden had locked himself in the apartment’s bathroom. In a desperate attempt to save his son, Juanito kicked down the door.
However, he was confronted with the heartbreaking reality that Jayden had hanged himself. Juanito untied him and laid him on the bathroom floor, but it was tragically too late. The family is grappling with the immense loss, particularly Juanito, who had raised his two sons as a dedicated soccer coach.
“This is very tough on Juanito… It’s one of two sons he raised himself as a soccer coach, and Jayden had just played in the [FIFA] World Cup,” the relative shared, underscoring the personal tragedy for the family and the promising career that was cut short.
Beyond the immediate domestic dispute, family members revealed that Adams had been struggling with other significant personal losses. The recent death of his grandmother, Marianna, last month reportedly weighed heavily on him. He was also still coming to terms with the stabbing death of his close friend and teammate, Oshwin Andries, three years prior. These cumulative emotional burdens may have contributed to his fragile state.
The relative also shed light on ongoing friction between Adams and Adendorf regarding finances. It was revealed that Adams sometimes gave money to his parents, even though they never asked for it. This seemingly generous act was a point of contention with Adendorf.
“Jayden would tell Aqueelah: ‘Yes, that’s my father. He raised me and introduced me to soccer!’” the relative quoted Adams as saying. His father’s only advice to him was, “Jayden. Boeta, just do your best.” In contrast, it was noted that Jayden regularly had to give money to Adendorf’s parents, creating an imbalance that may have fuelled resentment.
The relative also highlighted Adams’ lack of formal education beyond school, stating, “Jayden didn’t have matric. He didn’t have a background in how to invest millions.” This suggests a young man thrust into wealth and fame, potentially ill-equipped to handle the financial pressures and relationship dynamics that came with it.
Adams and Adendorf shared a daughter. During their five-year relationship, Adams also fathered a child with a Stellenbosch woman, Jody Solomons, whose baby was born in August 2024. This complex personal life added another layer of pressure to the young footballer’s existence.
Adendorf, Juanito, and Ronaldo have not responded to Rapport’s requests for comment, as the family has collectively decided not to speak publicly about the events leading up to Adams’ suicide. However, Juanito did tell eNCA that his son’s death was “just too sudden” and that the family was “taking it very hard.”
Hours after Adams’ death, Adendorf posted a heartfelt message on social media, expressing her pain: “There are no words to describe the pain I feel. Rest in peace, my darling. Thank you for every memory, every laugh, every hug. You were not only the love of my life, but also my biggest supporter and my best friend.” She added, “A part of my heart has been left with you, and I will carry your love with me forever. Until we meet again, I will miss you every single day. Rest in peace, my love. I will always and forever love you.”
Jody Solomons, the mother of Adams’ other child, also hinted at their strained relationship on social media. “There are moments in life that leave you completely speechless, and this is one of them. We didn’t always see eye to eye. We had our differences, and life didn’t always go the way we hoped. But despite everything, one thing remained true – you were our child’s father, and nothing will ever change that.” She concluded with a poignant message: “Life is so fragile. It reminds us that disagreements and hurt become so small compared to the moments we never get to have again. Today, I choose peace.”
The outpouring of grief and condolences has been widespread. Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Ricardo Mackenzie and the president of the South African Football Association, Dr Danny Jordaan, visited the bereaved family in Stellenbosch. Condolences also poured in from around the world, including from President Cyril Ramaphosa, highlighting Adams’ impact on the national and international football stage.
Two memorial services were held in the Stellenbosch town hall, allowing the community to pay their respects to the talented young footballer. The tragic circumstances of Jayden Adams’ death serve as a stark reminder of the immense pressures faced by public figures, even those who appear to have it all. It also brings to the forefront the critical importance of mental health support, particularly for young athletes navigating the complexities of fame, personal relationships, and financial demands. The football community and the nation will remember Jayden Adams not only for his talent on the field but also for the tragic story of his final hours.
