Phillip Hughes, Australian Test batsman, has passed away two days after being struck on the head while playing in a Sheffield Shield match for South Australia.
Hughes tragically passed away on Thursday afternoon, after not improving from the critical condition he was in two days ago.
A stream of visitors attended Hughes’ bedside today and yesterday, including several interstate visitors and numerous visits from Australian skipper Michael Clarke and some of his South Australian teammates.
» Phil Hughes career in pictures
» A fan’s tribute to Phillip Hughes: Simple pleasures warm the heart
Hughes had severe bleeding in his skull, and was forced into surgery quickly after being hit on the head. The ball slipped underneath his helmet, striking him near the left ear causing serious damage to an artery in his head.
The pressure in the brain caused by the bleeding from the artery was relieved with the initial surgery. It has been repeatedly reported that Hughes was receiving the best possible care at the hospital.
Hughes was on life support for the duration of his time in hospital.
He was hit by a bouncer from Sean Abbott on Tuesday while 63 not out and pushing for a spot in the Australian Test team. He immediately clutched his knees, and fell to the ground several seconds after the impact. It was at that point that all the players, officials realised something was amiss.
Hughes was taken to St Vincents Hospital in Sydney swiftly, after being treated by NSW Team doctor, Dr John Orchard and his team. Paramedics were quick to arrive, and took him to the hospital in an ambulance after intubating him at the ground.
His condition didn’t improve in the two days he was there, and he passed away in the mid afternoon on Thursday.
The young batsman was widely considered the most talented Australian player in his generation. He played 26 Test matches and managed 1535 at average over 32.
This round of Sheffield Shield matches was abandoned due to Hughes’ injury.
Hughes’ family extended the following statement to the public, read by Australian captain Michael Clarke.
“We’re devastated by the loss of our much loved son. We appreciate all the support.
“Cricket was Phillip’s life and we as a family shared that love of the game with him.
“We would like to thank medical staff at St Vincent’s Hospital & Cricket NSW for their efforts with Phillip.
“We love you”
James Sutherland, the CEO of Cricket Australia, had the following to say.
“It’s an understatement to say we’re completely devastated. The impact of Phillip’s loss is enormous.
“The word “tragedy” gets used too often in sport, but this freak accident is now real-life tragedy.
“It was Phillip as a person we will miss most. Our grief runs deep and the impact of Phillip’s loss is enormous. He was humble, understated and hard working. He set a wonderful example.
“He will be sadly missed and forever remembered.”
The Roar extends its deepest sympathies to Hughes’ family and friends. We also offer whatever support we can to his teammates and Sean Abbott.
The statement from Australian Team Doctor Peter Brukner read as follows:
“It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away.
“He never regained consciousness following his injury on Tuesday.
“He was not in pain before he passed and was surrounded by his family and close friends.
“As a cricket community we mourn his loss and extend our deepest sympathies to Phillip’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
“Cricket Australia asks that the privacy of the Hughes family, players and staff be respected.”
Rest in peace, Phillip Hughes. You will be missed.
George
Guest
Thanks, I was worried that the words would be taken the wrong way. I'm sure his family would want him alive in any way shape or form, but if he was badly brain damaged, he's a different person from there onwards. I love my son to the very core, but it would be my dream that he return to "normal" and have the opportunities afforded others (and me). Having said that, the world can be a bloody scary place where your life can be changed by taking a pill, crossing a road or driving to work. So enjoy every day you and the ones you love are fit and healthy, but it's so easy to take stuff for granted.
DORIS DE SILVA
Guest
Phil Hughes may you rest in peace. My heart goes to the family loosing a child such young age.may god comfort you in this difficult time.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
As an old man, the first reaction for me is a feeling of guilt that I have been blessed to live a relatively long life, when so many die young. To have a boy like Hughes, die at 25 is irreconcilable for me. But the trade off to take a way some of the hurt is he died doing something he loved doing. Not many go in that manner. Also, it put in focus that Life is unpredictable, and one should never take it for granted, or waste it on living unwisely, or governed by bad thoughts/intentions. Know that today could be the last day you have on earth, so make the best of it. As for the game, it is important now that the response is not governed by emotions , and becomes reactionary. Context needs to be applied, in that this was a freak accident, and nothing to do with helmuts, or bouncer laws. If anything, the only change that needs addressing is better coaching of this ages batsmen in how to play short bowling. Before i tried to sleep last night ( notorious insomniac ) I lit two candles. One in honour of Phillip Hughes's passing, and another in support of Sean Abbott
pavan
Guest
Cricket vs huges Huges lose the life and cricket is lose the huges
nonutheman
Roar Rookie
Saddest moment in sport in 2014. Phillip Hughes was a very good batsman and an even better person.
chachi
Guest
George - thank you for sharing these thoughts. I'm very sorry to hear of the tragedy that you and especially your son have had to contend with. I think these are very wise words.
Daws
Guest
RIP Phil. Taken too soon. A sad day for everyone left behind.
Glenn Innes
Guest
As mentioned above life is both precious and fragile and something like this serves as a reminder to make the best of every single day.As my old man used to say "every day above ground is a good one"
Rinks
Guest
Very Sad, RIP, Phillip Hughes.
Ross Fleming
Roar Rookie
I literally am struggling to write this message, I can't imagine what his parents and family are going through at this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the young champions family.
Muzz
Guest
My condolences to the Hughes family. Rest in peace Phil.
Nathan
Guest
Extremly sad to hear the news about Phil Hughes. RIP mate and I'm grateful to have watched you hit some classy tons.
dr katz
Guest
The saddest day in sport I can ever recall. Rip phil hughes, condolences to family and friends. So so sad.
Brains of a bimbo (Atgm)
Guest
Oh noooooo.....rest in peace phil!
Greenbok
Roar Rookie
As a proud South African supporter, but even prouder cricket supporter, this has really hit hard. No real words to describe these events. Thoughts are with his family, poor young Abbot, his friends and team-mates, and the greater-cricketing fraternity. May he be blessed in the World Hereafter.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
We've lost a great kid today. A kid who was destined for greatness. Those who saw him play knew what he had offer. Hughes would've been the greatest Test opener ever. R.I.P. Little Phil #408 #63notout
Kenjac
Guest
RIP Phil Hughes. Condolences to his friends and family.
Jeff Korpusinski
Guest
I didnt know phil personally but i felt i knew him through watching him play cricket,sad to hear he passed away very sad
TheCunningLinguistic
Roar Rookie
I don't really have the words to adequately add my condolences to the chorus already out there... You will be missed, and never forgotten. Blessings to all your family and friends, and to the cricketing community at large. Much peace to Sean Abbott as well, some tough times ahead for him. Vale Phillip Hughes, 63* not out forever.
JimmyB
Guest
Such terribly sad news, my sincerest condolences to Phils' family and friends and poor Sean Abbott too (it most certainly wasn't your fault mate, but a horrible accident) I neither met Phil Hughes nor can I profess to know a huge amount about him apart from that he was a really talented cricketer, however I liked him, probably because he just seemed like a thoroughly decent bloke with no side to him. His is such a sad loss to Australian cricket but also the wider cricketing world. Today is the first day since I've lived in Australia that I feel like an Aussie. Such a bloody sad day.