Phillip Hughes Death: 25 Year Old Australian Batsman Passed Away Two Days After Being Struck In The Head By A Cricket Ball During A Domestic Match [PHOTO]

This morning, 25-year-old Australian batsman Phillip Hughes passed away just two days after being hit in the neck by a cricket ball during a domestic match. According to Telegraph, the match was between South Australia and New South Wales, and Hughes was accidentally struck by a bouncer delivered by 22-year-old Sean Abbott.

 BBC reports that Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland stated, "It's an understatement to say we're completely devastated...the word tragedy gets used too often in sport, but this freak accident is a real life tragedy."

During the time he was struck, Hughes had been wearing a helmet. However, the injury caused was due to the cricket ball striking him at the top of his neck. BBC reports that he was administered CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation before being taken to St. Vincent's hospital, where a 90-minute operation was performed to relieve pressure on his brain.

Abbott and many members of the Australian national team visited Hughes in the hospital. However, he never regained consciousness following his surgery.

The Hughes family has since issued a statement reading, "We're devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother, Phillip. It's been a very difficult few days. We appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

Cricket was Phillip's life, and we as a family shared that love of the game with him. We would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket New South Wales medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you."

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) President David Morgan, who watched Hughes' debut in South Africa, stated, "This devastating loss has shocked the cricket world, and on behalf of MCC I offer our condolences to his family and friends. I well remember his first series in South Africa. Phillip was a fine cricketer and one who we will tragically never have the chance to see batting again here at the Home of Cricket.

Cricket can be a dangerous sport, but for a talented young man to lose his life playing the game he loved is beyond most people's comprehension. Known as he was to so many at Lord's [Cricket Ground,] this news will be hard felt."

Tags
phillip hughes
death
Cricket
Australia
Batsman
South Australia
sean abbott
MCC
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