As news broke of Phil Hughes’ passing on Thursday afternoon, the fears of family, friends and cricket fans the world over were realised.
A young sporting hero, just 25 years of age, leading a life so often envied, was tragically taken by a blow to the head playing a game of cricket.
»Phil Hughes’ career in pictures
»STORY: Phil Hughes passes away
For two days the cricketing world sat in silence, finding skerricks of solace in the hope that such mysterious injuries afford the desperate.
But as his condition remained unchanged on Wednesday, and news of its gravity emerged on Thursday, hope turned to fear, and too quickly came word of his passing.
Today we are reminded how fragile we are. That even those like Hughes can succumb to such an incidental fate, is shattering. A man who walked among us, but existed so much bigger, and so much stronger, is gone.
As we absorb the news we ache and weep and mourn. This is a time all invested in Hughes’ recovery will endure.
For some it will be a gentle tear, others a cheers and a quiet beer. For those in close, today will never leave them.
At tragic times we unite to mourn. Family, friends, the cricketing community, along with those who don’t know a red ball from a white, have been captured by this tragedy, and felt a need to share their pain.
We often look upon social media with disdain for its shallow and fickle nature. But today it shows that the heart of this planet beats the same.
We all feel broken and vulnerable when the strongest among us are struck down. Hughes was a mighty athlete, and by all we know, his death makes little sense.
And there is little to say but rest in peace, Phil Hughes.
The world reacts to the death of Phil Hughes:
Heart broken! A very dark day. You will be missed, Phil Hughes. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family & friends.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 27, 2014
Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes dies after blow to the head during match in Sydney http://t.co/2Uj2A2XRIK pic.twitter.com/gP97ilPvlI
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) November 27, 2014
RIP Phil Hughes .. Sad sad day for cricket :(((
— Saqib Saleem (@Saqibsaleem) November 27, 2014
So sad …. Phil Hughes had died. A true tragedy. #PhilHughes
— Glenn Mitchell (@MitchellGlenn) November 27, 2014
I can't find the words to say on how devastated I am right now to hear earlier this afternnon that #PhilHughes has passed away.
— FreddieFanta (@FreddieFanta) November 27, 2014
Wishing all strength & support for the family of #PhilHughes dealing w. this cruel loss. Strength & support for Sean Abbott too.
— DebbieSpillane (@DebSpillane) November 27, 2014
He would have been celebrating his 26th birthday this Sunday! How unfair life is! #PhilHughes
— Narayan Mahasuar (@Iam_Nn1165) November 27, 2014
Just in shock! Can't imagine the grief of Phil Hughes family right now. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. #RIPPhilHughes
— Michael Voss (@voss03) November 27, 2014
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