Australian cricket batsman Phillip Hughes has died aged 25, two days after being struck on the neck by a ball during a match in Sydney.
"It's an understatement to say we're completely devastated," said Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland. "The word tragedy gets used too often in sport, but this freak accident is a real life tragedy."
Australian captain Michael Clarke read out a statement on behalf of the Hughes family: "We're devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother, Phillip. It's been a very difficult few days. We appreciate all the support 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 would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket New South Wales medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you."
Hughes was struck on the neck by the ball and never regained consciousness. He died as a result of "vertebral artery dissection" according to doctors.
