The Australian cricket circuit was left reeling on Friday after popular player Philip Hughes died. Hughes had been in a two-day coma after being struck in the head with a bouncer in a match between New South Wales and South Australia. He was 25 years old.
Cricket Australia's CEO James Sutherland deemed the harrowing incident a "real life tragedy" that has left the entire sport "completely devastated."
"The word tragedy gets used far too often in sport but this freak accident is now a real-life tragedy," Sutherland remarked, per The Independent. "Our grief runs deep and the impact of Phillip's loss is enormous but nothing compares to the loss felt by those closest to him.
Peter Brukner, the team doctor of Hughes' team, released a statement. "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 said, via the BBC.
Brukner made special cares to inform the public that Hughes was "not in pain before he passed, and was surrounded by his family and close friends."
Fans of Hughes and the sport in general poured out their condolences and disbelief for Hughes all across social media today. In addition, none other than Australian prime minister Tony Abbot made sure to visit Hughes at his Sydney hospital before his death.
"His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family," Abbot said. "What happened has touched millions of Australians.
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