In tragic news from Down Under, seventeen-year-old cricketer Ben Austin has passed away after being struck on the head and neck during a practice session in Melbourne.
Reportedly, Ben was facing deliveries from an automatic bowling machine in the nets while wearing a helmet, ahead of a local T20 game in Melbourne on Tuesday, when he was hit in the head and neck area. He was immediately taken to hospital, where he later passed away.
Austin’s father, Jace, said in a statement: “For Tracey and me, Ben was an adored son, a deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach, and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends. “This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort in knowing that he was doing something he loved so much — going down to the nets with his mates to play cricket. He loved the game, and it was one of the great joys of his life. We would also like to offer our support to his team-mate who was bowling in the nets. This accident has affected two young men, and our thoughts are with him and his family as well.”
Cricket Victoria issued a statement on Ben’s tragic death.
“We’re absolutely devastated on behalf of the family, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, and more broadly, the Victorian cricket community,” said Nick Cummins, Chief Executive of Cricket Victoria. “We are doing everything we can to support not only Ben’s family, but also those at the club. Ben played for a number of clubs, and we want to ensure they all have access to counselling and ongoing support — not just today, but well into the future — as this is something that will stay with our community for some time.”
This heartbreaking incident has revived painful memories of Phil Hughes’ death over a decade ago.
For More Sports Related News: Follow RevSportz