TheCable

Australian cricket batsman, Phillip Hughes, died on Thursday, two days after a ball hit him in the head and caused a cerebral hemorrhage.

Hughes would have celebrated his 26th birthday on Sunday.

On Tuesday, Hughes was playing a state match for South Australia against New South Wales when he was hit by a “bouncer” — a cricket pitch that’s deliberately thrown short so the ball bounces high toward a player’s head.

After being hit, Hughes briefly put his hands on his knees, before pitching forward face-first and losing consciousness.

Medical staff tried life-saving measures at the scene before Hughes was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital, about one mile away, to undergo neurosurgery.

However, Hughes never woke up from his induced coma.

“It’s an understatement to say we’re completely devastated,” James Sutherland, Cricket Australia boss, said.

“The word tragedy gets used too often in sport, but this freak accident is a real life tragedy.”

Australia captain Michael Clarke read out a statement on behalf of the Hughes family at a news conference held at the hospital where he was being treated.

“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.”