A 17-year-old Australian cricketer, Ben Austin, has tragically died after being struck in the neck by a cricket ball during a training session in Melbourne.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Ferntree Gully cricket nets, where Ben was practicing with teammates. He was wearing a helmet but did not have a neck guard at the time. The ball was delivered using a hand-held throwing device known as a “wanger” when it struck him on the neck.
Emergency services arrived at the scene around 5:00 p.m. local time (06:00 GMT), and Ben was rushed to hospital in critical condition. Despite being placed on life support, he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.
Ben’s father, Jace Austin, described the family as “utterly devastated” by the loss of “our beautiful Ben.” He said his son was a beloved brother to Cooper and Zach, and a “shining light” to all who knew him.
“This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we take comfort in knowing he was doing something he loved – spending time at the nets with friends, playing cricket,” Mr. Austin said.
He also expressed compassion for Ben’s teammate who was bowling when the accident happened, saying the family’s thoughts were with the other boy and his family.
Mr. Austin thanked the cricket community, emergency responders, and medical staff for their support and care in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins called the incident an “extremely difficult time” for everyone involved, noting the similarity to the fatal accident that claimed the life of Phillip Hughes in 2014. Hughes died after being struck in the neck while batting during a Sheffield Shield match, an event that led to improved safety standards in cricket gear.
“The entire cricket community, both in Victoria and across Australia, is mourning this heartbreaking loss,” Mr. Cummins said. “Ben was a talented cricketer, a respected captain, and a much-loved teammate known throughout Melbourne’s south-east under-18 circuit.”
Ben represented the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, which paid tribute to him in a heartfelt social media post, describing him as a young man who “brought joy to everyone around him.”
The Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, where Ben played more than 100 games, also honored his memory, calling him “kind,” “respectful,” and “a fantastic footballer.”
“Our club and community have lost a truly exceptional young person who was becoming a fine young adult. His absence will be felt deeply for many years to come,” the club said.
Ben’s death has sent shockwaves through both the cricket and football communities, leaving teammates, friends, and family mourning the loss of a promising young life cut tragically short.
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