'Freak Accident' Claims Life of Star Australian Cricket Player

NPR

Published November 28, 2014 at 1:25 PM EST

A woman is seen lying flowers amongst other tributes next to a photograph of Phil Hughes outside the Adelaide Oval on November 28, 2014 in Adelaide, Australia. Cricket player, Phil Hughes passed away aged 25, as a result of head injuries sustained during the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and New South Wales at the SCG on Tuesday. (Morne de Klerk/Getty Images)

Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes died Thursday from a “catastrophic” injury to his head, two days after being struck by a delivery during a match.

Australia captain Michael Clarke, trying to compose himself several times, read a brief statement on behalf of Hughes’ parents, brother and sister at a news conference at St. Vincent’s Hospital that was broadcast live around Australia.

“We’re devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Phillip. Cricket was Phillip’s life, and we as a family shared that love of the game with him … We love you,” Clarke read, holding back tears before leaving the room.

Dr. Tony Grabs, a surgeon and director of trauma services at St. Vincent’s, where Hughes was taken and was treated by Grabs, said the 25-year-old cricketer had died from a rare injury – there have been only 100 documented cases of vertebral artery dissection – which resulted in severe bleeding on his brain.

Deaths are rare in cricket, although Hughes is the second player in two years to sustain a fatal blow.

Note: This BBC interview can be heard in the Here & Now podcast or with the WBUR app.

Guest

Nick Marshall-McCormack, correspondent for the BBC.