Cricketer Phillip Hughes has died, surrounded by close family and friends at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney
The 25-year-old was struck by a ball delivered by bowler Sean Abbott on Tuesday afternoon at SCG
Team doctor Peter Brukner said Phillip Hughes was not in pain when he passed away on Thursday afternoon
‘He never regained consciousness following his injury,’ Dr Brukner said
As the sporting community mourns Hughes’ death, concerns grow over the emotional well-being of Sean Abbott
The 21-year-old has reportedly been struggling with his role in the fatal blow that felled batsman Hughes
Australian skipper Michael Clarke read out an emotional statement on behalf of Hughes’ family
The tragic development has sparked a huge outpouring from the Australian community
The national flag has been lowered to half mast at the Sydney Cricket Ground as friends and family gathered at a touching vigil
Players and friends took turns at standing on the pitch where the horrific accident took place, reflecting on times they had with Hughes
Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes has died in a Sydney hospital surrounded by family and friends, three days before his 26th birthday.
The batsman from Macksville, New South Wales, never recovered from a devastating head injury he sustained after a ball delivered by bowler Sean Abbott struck him in the back of the head while he was playing first-class cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday afternoon.
Hughes, who was transported to St Vincent’s Hospital after collapsing on the pitch while playing for South Australia, underwent emergency surgery and was placed in an induced coma on Tuesday. His death was announced by Cricket Australia barely 48 hours later.
As the batsman is mourned, there are fears over the emotional well-being of the bowler who delivered the bouncer that felled Hughes.
The 21-year-old cricketer is reportedly struggling with the role he played in the fatal blow.
On Thursday, Abbott was seen arriving at St Vincent’s in a navy baseball hat to visit Hughes and left wiping away tears after learning of the batsman’s death.
Team doctor Peter Brukner told reporters Hughes never regained consciousness following his injury. He was not in pain when he died.
‘As a cricket community we mourn his loss and extend our deepest sympathies to Phillip’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time,’ Dr Brukner said.
Australian skipper Michael Clarke read out a solemn statement on behalf of Hughes’ mother Virginia, father Greg, sister Megan and brother Jason.
‘We’re devastated at the loss of our much loved son and brother, Phillip,’ a composed Clarke read bravely, refusing to look up from the statement in front of him.
‘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,’ Clarke continued.
‘We would like to thank all the nursing and medical staff at St Vincent’s Hospital and Cricket NSW medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip.’
Michael Clarke finished the statement with the simple yet powerful words: ‘We love you.’
Phillip Hughes’ death has sparked a huge outpouring of emotion both in Australia and around the world
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