Meyer, who took over at Welford Road at the beginning of the season, had recently been joined in the East Midlands by his wife and young family but all will return to South Africa as Meyer is given leave on compassionate grounds.
"Heyneke has made a big impression on everyone at the club since his arrival but we understand the situation he is in and we offer all of the support we can to him and his family," said Tigers chief executive and former Lions tourist Peter Wheeler.
Meyer led the Blue Bulls to Super 14 glory in 2007 and has presided over 11 wins and a draw in the opening four months of the season in the Guinness Premiership, Heineken Cup and EDF Energy Cup since moving to England.
