Heartbroken loved ones are uniting in grief to remember a “popular and much loved” teenage cricketer who died in a training accident.
Ben Austin was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after being struck in the neck by a ball at training at Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne’s outer east, on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old was facing balls in the nets ahead of a T20 match when the injury occurred in front of his teammates.
His parents released a statement via Cricket Victoria on Thursday afternoon, sharing their devastation, but also thanks for the support received. They asked for privacy as they grieve.
“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,” Ben’s dad, Jace Austin said.
“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.
“We would also like to support his teammate who was bowling in the nets – this accident has impacted two young men and our thoughts are with he and his family as well.”
The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed the death of the beloved player on Thursday.
“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community,” the club said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper and Zach, his extended family, his friends and to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.”
Flowers, cards, lollies, a drink bottle and a cricket bat have been laid in tribute of the teenager at the club in the hours after his death.
The bat was inscribed with several messages including “rest easy Benny” and “forever 14 not out” – a reference to Phillip Hughes and “forever 63 not out” after the former Test star’s death.
Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, where Ben was a senior player, said the death marked the loss of a truly great young person who was developing into a fine young adult.
“Ben was a kind, respectful, popular and much loved player at our club. He supported his team mates and was a support to all of the kids that he played with,” the club said in a statement.
“He had a wide network of great friends who will miss him dearly.
“He was a true Hawks man who was universally loved by the players, coaches and parents.”
The teenager was also actively involved with the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, Mulgrave Cricket Club and Eildon Park Cricket Club.
In March, he received an award recognising a player who demonstrates dedication and the right attitude to the game.
Ben was remembered as a star cricketer, a strong leader and an outstanding young man.
He celebrated his birthday earlier in October.
“I know how heavily this news will land across our community and we will provide any and all support we can to our clubs and cricket family,” Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association president Arnie Walters said.
Ringwood and District Cricket Association president Michael Finn said the teenager was warming up in the nets when the injury occurred.
“Medical assistance was provided by people at the ground at the time until the paramedics arrived,” he told AAP.
The organisation, along with Cricket Victoria, offered its full support to those affected.
“We will stand back and give the family all the love and support that we can at this point in time… it must be an incredibly difficult time,” Mr Finn said.
“We need to stand back now and give the family the time, space and respect, they need to process the situation.”
Ben’s death as an absolute tragedy and said her thoughts are with his family.
“This is a heartbreaking story,” she told reporters at state parliament.
The teenager was taken to the Monash Children’s Hospital by advanced life support and intensive care paramedics.
He died on Wednesday.
The young cricketer’s death comes more than a decade after Hughes died from injuries sustained when he was struck by a bouncer at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The former Test batsman spent two days in hospital after being hit in the neck during a Sheffield Shield match in 2014.
