Tragedy Strikes: 17-Year-Old Cricket Prodigy Ben Austin Dies After Freak Accident in Training Session
- Ben Austin, a talented young cricketer, died after being struck by a ball during a training session in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday afternoon.
- The 17-year-old was wearing a helmet when the incident occurred, but tragically passed away the next day.
- Ben’s family has issued a heartbreaking statement, paying tribute to their “beautiful” son and brother, who was an adored member of their family and friend to many.
In a devastating turn of events, the Australian cricket community is in shock after the tragic passing of 17-year-old Ben Austin, who died after a freak accident during a training session in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday afternoon.
Ben, a talented young cricketer, was struck by a ball in the nets while warming up for a senior T20 game. Despite wearing a helmet, the impact was fatal, and he tragically passed away on Wednesday.
In a heartbreaking statement, Ben’s father, Jace Austin, spoke of the family’s devastation, saying, “We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben, who died earlier on Thursday morning… 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 father also sent a classy message to the family of the other boy involved in the incident, saying, “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 cricket community has rallied around the Austin family, with Ben’s club, Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, paying tribute to the talented young player. “Ben was a kind, respectful, popular and much-loved player at our club,” they said in a statement. “He supported his team mates and was a support to all of the kids that he played with.”
Ben was not only a talented cricketer but also an impressive junior footballer and umpire. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and the cricket community.
The family has asked for privacy as they come to terms with their loss, but want to thank the cricket community, first responders, and hospital staff for their support during this difficult time.