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Cricket world joins family in mourning

Nov 27, 2014
Cricketer Dave Warner his partner Candice Falzon (right) and Matthew Wade and his partner leave St. Vincents Hospital.

Cricketer Dave Warner his partner Candice Falzon (right) and Matthew Wade and his partner leave St. Vincents Hospital.

The family of Phillip Hughes’ said they are devastated by the death of the Australian Test cricketer.

Reading from a prepared statement on behalf of the Hughes family, Australian captain Michael Clarke said: “We are devastated by the loss of our much-loved son Phillip.”

“Cricket was part of his life and we shared that with him.”

“It’s been a very difficult few days and we appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia, St Vincent’s Hospital and the general public,” an emotional Clarke read.

“We’d like to thank the nursing staff and Cricket NSW for their efforts with Phillip.”

Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland said Hughes will be sadly missed and forever remembered.

“Phil has been taken away from us to soon,” Sutherland said.

“It’s an understatement to say we’re completely devastated. The impact of Phillip’s loss is enormous.

“He will forever be remembered as one of the elite few to have worn the baggy green cap, cap number 408.

“In the darkest hours, cricket puts its collective arms around the Hughes family.

“We offer our love and endless support.”

The Australian Cricketers Association chief executive Alistair Nicholson said cricketers far and wide had been rocked by the “devastating event”.

“Phillip Hughes died playing the sport that he loved amongst those who loved him,” Nicholson said.

“His final shot typified his approach to the game – aggressive, positive and defiant.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family and the players.”

The ACA have already begun counselling players around the country, with sessions beginning almost immediately after the incident on Tuesday night.

As news filtered through of Hughes’ death, his hometown of Macksville fell into a shocked silence.

“Everyone is beside themselves. The town has gone quiet. The streets are empty,” Nambucca Hotel bar manager Karl Spear told AAP of the feeling in the 2500-strong town.

“I’m struggling to work today.

“He was home about 12 times a year to see family and he’d frequently come here with his mates.”

Rugby league superstar Greg Inglis, who grew up down the road from Hughes in Macksville, tweeted: “Thinking about the family.. I’m so sad to hear this news.. Another great mate taken too soon R.I.P #PhillipHughes you true champion..”

The son of a banana farmer was remembered as a “warm unaffected country boy” in Macksville, which is located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane.

“The family and friends, the local cricket community and the whole Nambucca Valley community would like to pass on our deepest condolences to the Hughes family following the tragic death of Phillip Hughes,” the community said in a joint statement.

“We reach out to Phillip’s parents Greg and Virginia Hughes, sister Megan and brother Jason, offering our love and support during this most difficult time. We are all here for you.

“Macksville is a strong and close community. We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened to Phillip.

“We are all very proud of Phillip’s achievements and will remember him fondly as a favourite son.”

Shattered cricket friends and rivals worldwide paid tribute as news of Hughes’s tragic death emerged.

Flags at the SCG were placed at half-mast and social media was inundated by mourners.

“Everyone is in shock,” national selector and ex-Test batsman Mark Waugh told Fox Sports.

“He was a great young man and tremendous cricketer.

“It’s hard to fathom why it has happened to him but it has.

“We’ve got to move on but it’s going to be difficult that is for sure.

“We will have to remember the good times.”

Social media reaction to Hughes’ death was immediate and overwhelming.

“RIP you little champ, we are all going to miss you ! Love, prayers to all the Hughes family xxxx,” tweeted Australian coach Darren Lehmann, who was among the players, family and friends who kept a bedside vigil for Hughes in Sydney.

“No no no no no. RIP Phillip Hughes. And stay strong Sean Abbott,” Adam Gilchrist posted on Twitter.

“Such terrible news with the passing of Phil Hughes. Our deepest sympathies to his family,” former Test quick Glenn McGrath tweeted.

Hughes’ passing quickly ensured old sporting rivalries were forgotten.

“Shocked to hear about Phil. Sad day for cricket. Deepest condolences to family, friends and well wishers. RIP #PhilipHughes,” Indian great Sachin Tendulkar tweeted.

“A very sad day for the world of cricket. So sorry for Phillip Hughes and his family. Spare a thought for Sean Abbott,” England great Ian Botham posted.

South Africa’s Faf Du Plessis then tweeted: “No man.shocking news that Phil Hughes has passed away.cant believe it.Everyone close to him will be in my prayers.#cricketingfamily”

Sports stars from home and abroad quickly offered their condolences.

“Wow wow wow. No Sport is bigger than life itself,” tweeted Australia’s NBA star Andrew Bogut.

“What a sad sad day in sport. RIP Philip Hughes. Cricket will never be the same,” Wallabies great Tim Horan posted.

“Nothing on the course matters when things like that happen,” said golfing superstar Adam Scott after his poor day one score at the Australian Open in Sydney.

“Waking up to the terrible news about phil Hughes.. Thoughts and prayers are with his family #RIPPhilHughes,” English football legend Robbie Fowler posted.

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