A Melbourne cricket community is in mourning after 17-year-old Ben Austin died from injuries sustained during a warm-up accident in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday afternoon.
The teenager was struck in the head and neck area while training in the nets at Walley Tew Reserve, ahead of a T20 match between Ferntree Gully and Eildon Park. Emergency services, including Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance and Advanced Life paramedics, treated Ben at the scene before rushing him to Monash Medical Centre in a critical condition.
Despite their efforts, the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed on Thursday morning that Ben had tragically passed away.
“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. “We ask you to please respect the privacy of Ben’s family during this time.”
Ringwood and District Cricket Association president Michael Finn said the organisation was focused on supporting those affected.
“Currently our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” he said. “We’re committed to providing whatever support we need to for the clubs and the officials that were involved.”
Witnesses described a frantic scene as teammates rushed to help. “Someone ran and grabbed a defib and an ambulance was there within maybe five or six minutes,” one told the Herald Sun. “Everyone was just stunned … when they called for the defibrillator it was like, this is much more serious.”
The close-knit local cricket community has been left reeling by the loss of the promising young player, whose life ended far too soon.
Image: Ferntree Gully Cricket Club
