Phil Hughes, Australian Cricketer, Passed Away After Being Struck by Bouncer
By Jason Lisk
Phil Hughes, the Australian cricketer who fell unconscious after being struck by a bouncer, passed away today at age 25.
Hughes collapsed on the field after being struck, and never regained consciousness. The ball hit him at the base of the neck, just below his helmet. Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said that Hughes died of “vertebral artery dissection”. The artery that was struck split, causing a massive brain bleed.
“His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family. What happened has touched millions of Australians,” said Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. “For a young life to be cut short playing our national game seems a shocking aberration. He was loved, admired and respected by his team-mates and by legions of cricket fans.”
The cricket community is in a state of shock at the news, and on Twitter, a hashtag #putoutyourbats has been started to express condolences and support for Hughes and his family.