An Australian teenager has died after he was hit by a cricket ball during a practice session in Melbourne.
Ben Austin, 17, was training - with a helmet but no neck guard - in cricket nets in Ferntree Gully when he was hit in the neck by a ball thrown using a handheld ball launcher.
Emergency workers attended the scene around 17:00 local time before Ben was rushed to hospital in critical condition. He was put on life support but died two days later.
Ben's father Jace expressed that the family was utterly devastated by the death of our beautiful Ben. Cricket Victoria stated the loss would be mourned throughout the cricketing community.
In a heartfelt statement, Jace Austin shared of his family's loss: For Tracey and I, Ben was an adored son, deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends. This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers - going down to the nets with mates to play cricket. He loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life.
Mr. Austin also acknowledged support for Ben's teammate involved in the incident, emphasizing the accident's impact on two young men. He thanked the local cricket community for their support and praised first responders and medical staff.
Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins remarked it was an extremely challenging time for all involved, recalling a similar incident involving Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes in 2014.
Ben played for the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, who praised his contributions and spirit, while other clubs also conveyed their condolences, recognizing the great loss felt by the community.
