Cricketer Phillip Hughes has died two days after suffering a severe head injury when he was struck in the back of the head by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.
The family of the 25-year-old made the heartwrenching decision to switch off his life support this afternoon.
A statement from team Doctor Peter Brukner reads: “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.”
A statement from team Doctor Peter Brukner reads: “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.”
The Australian batsman had been in a critical condition in an induced coma after undergoing surgery to relieve pressure on his brain on the day of the freak accident.
Molly Meldrum pays tribute to Phil Hughes as he is inducted into ARIAs hall of fame
Earlier today, members of the Australian cricket family held a bedside vigil at St Vincent’s Hospital for the young athlete.
Phil, as he is known to his mates, was set to celebrate his 26th birthday on Sunday, November 30.
Since news of his tragic passing, social media has been inundated with heartfelt tributes and messages from around the world for the young cricket star.
Australian captain Michael Clarke and vice-captain Brad Haddin were among the supporters to visit Hughes in hospital on Wednesday, joining Hughes’ family at the former Test opener’s bedside. – See more at: http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2014/11/27/cricketer-phillip-hughes-has-died.html#sthash.ytXvMV8m.dpuf
Australian captain Michael Clarke and vice-captain Brad Haddin were among the supporters to visit Hughes in hospital on Wednesday, joining Hughes’ family at the former Test opener’s bedside. – See more at: http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2014/11/27/cricketer-phillip-hughes-has-died.html#sthash.ytXvMV8m.dpuf
Australian captain Michael Clarke and vice-captain Brad Haddin were among the supporters to visit Hughes in hospital on Wednesday, joining Hughes’ family at the former Test opener’s bedside. – See more at: http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2014/11/27/cricketer-phillip-hughes-has-died.html#sthash.ytXvMV8m.dpuf