Australian cricketer, Phil Hughes, has passed away in St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney after spending two days in an induced coma following a blow to the head during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday afternoon.
The injury fast became labelled one of “the worst cricket has ever seen”. Hughes’ passing cements this label, along with the worst fears held by family, friends, and cricket fans the world over.
On Wednesday afternoon, doctors at St Vincent’s Hospital updated the public on Hughes’ condition, stating simply, “Phillip’s condition is unchanged and he remains critical.”
On Thursday, hope was further drained following news broadcast by radio host Alan Jones, a close friend of Hughes, that the harsh reality of his injury was “much more serious than anyone had imagined”.
“What happened is that the blow from the cricket ball damaged… a major artery in the back of his head and that caused bleeding over the skull and prevented blood from going to the brain,” Jones stated.
On Thursday afternoon, Australian team doctor Dr Peter Brukner informed the public that Hughes had 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.”
Phillip Joel Hughes played 26 Tests for Australia, 25 One Day Internationals and one T20 International.
After bursting onto the Test scene in South Africa in 2009, Hughes time in the baggy green was staggered, however his natural talent kept him touted as a key figure in the future of Australia’s Test team.
Hughes passed away just three days shy of his 26th birthday.
Raging Bull
Guest
Literally shaking...rip phil
TheCunningLinguistic
Guest
Vale, Phillip Hughes.A brilliant career and life cut tragically short. You will be remembered. Much strength to Sean Abbott, who will bear much misplaced guilt over this. We're thinking of you too, mate.
up in the north
Guest
How incredibly tragic. Young men aren't supposed to die doing something so simple as playing a game of cricket. If there is any silver lining it may be that he was doing something he loved doing. Rest in peace. Condolences to his family and friends, better to have known someone great, if only briefly, than to never know them at all. My thoughts are also with young Abbot, it's a burden nobody should have to bear.
Matthew
Guest
Like Craig above Im finding it hard to digest this news. All thoughts to his family and to Sean Abbott.
Adam Cummings
Roar Rookie
Just a shocking outcome for all involved. Sympathies to the family and all his mates and also thoughts with young Abbott. A truly tragic result for everyone. A sad reminder that we aren't invincible and further proof that everyone needs to make the most of everyday. RIP champ.
Silver Sovereign
Roar Rookie
Hear hear to all above. As I have said on other articles. It just seems like he was finally going to get his chance and had his confidence up. I think the best thing for all is to get back to cricket. Talk of postponement is ludicrous
Demark
Guest
Sad day indeed RIP Phillip
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Tragic. Stunned. Speechless. I didn't know the man, nor the player, but reading about him in recent days I learned that he was universally admired by those who knew him and a true gentleman - that's how we should all aspire to be remembered. May he rest in peace and always be in the hearts of his family and loved ones.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
this news is a bit hard to take in at the moment. my sympathies go out to his family and friends