Head injury claims Australian cricketer's life after tragic SCG playing accident

Austrailian captain Michael Clarke has delivered a heartbreaking farewell on behalf of Phillip Hughes' family after the batsman today died from head injuries suffered when he was hit in the head by a bouncer at the SCG.

Hughes had been in an induced coma after undergoing brain surgery in Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital.

He did not respond to treatment and was pronounced dead today, just days before his 26th birthday, stunning a cricket world that had rallied behind him since the terrible incident.

Clarke, a close friend of Hughes, delivered a statement on behalf of Hughes' father Greg, mother Virginia, brother Jason and sister Megan.

“We are devastated by the loss of our much loved son and brother Phillip,” the family statement said.

“It's been a very difficult few days. We appreciate all of the support that we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

“Cricket was Phillip's life and we as a family shared that love of the game with him.

“We'd like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket NSW medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip.”

The statement ended: “We love you.”
Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland also paid tribute to Hughes.

“It was Phillip as a person that we will miss most. He was a classic example of his country upbringing - humble, understated and hard-working. When the chips were down or he had a setback, he simply got on with the job and worked harder,” Sutherland said.

“He set a wonderful example to any young person seeking to make their way in life.

“The word tragedy gets used far too often in sport but this freak accident is now a real-life tragedy. Just shy of his 26th birthday, Phillip has been taken from us far too young.

“It's an understatement to say that we are completely devastated. 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.

“Phillip was a cherished son, brother, friend and teammate. In these darkest of hours cricket puts its collective arms around the Hughes family..”

Cricket Australia team doctor Peter Brukner confirmed that Hughes had died after the blow to the head caused grievous bleeding to his brain.

Since the accident, the cricket community has rallied around NSW fast bowler Sean Abbott, left shattered after delivering the bouncer that fatally injured Hughes. It was revealed today that Hughes' sister Megan has comforted the young paceman since the tragic accident.

Bowler Sean Abbott arrives at Cricket NSW and the SCG today. Picture: Adam Taylor

 
 
Candice Falzon and David Warner leave St Vincent's Hospital in tears today.

Devastated family, friends and teammates of Hughes had flooded into St Vincent's to say goodbye ever since the accident. His family was with him as he passed and Clarke spent many hours at his side.

The visitors included former Australian captains Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting, and were as eclectic as boxer Anthony Mundine and broadcaster Alan Jones - all long-time friends of the much-loved young cricketer.

News of his passing sparked an immediate outpouring of grief, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott leading the tributes to a wonderful cricketer and young man.

“Phillip Hughes was a young man living out his dreams,” Mr Abbott said in a statement.

“His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family.

St Vincent's Hospital spokesman David Faktor said Tuesday: “He underwent a set of scans to establish the extent of his injuries and then a decision was made to perform surgery.

“I understand they intubated him at the scene. He is the best of hands and surrounded by a leading team.”

NSW team doctor John Orchard accompanied the South Australia batsman to hospital.

The left-hander initially put his hands on his knees after being hit, before falling down onto the pitch face-first.

The Blues players immediately rushed in to help their former teammate and called for medical help from the dressing rooms.

Hughes was eventually stretchered off in a medicab and appeared to be receiving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, with close friend and former Test teammate David Warner alongside him.

The 25-year-old was taken to the edge of the field, where a sheet was erected so spectators could not see him receiving treatment.

A medical helicopter landed on the field a short while later, with play suspended.

Teammates and friends kept a vigil at the hospital since Hughes' admission.

Hughes, who was due to turn 26 on Sunday, played 26 Tests and scored 1,535 runs at 32.65, including three centuries.

He was considered a front-runner to replace injured captain Michael Clarke in the first Test against India starting next week.