Phil Hughes' Cause of Death: Ball Hit Artery In The Neck, Caused Bleeding In The Brain

Phil Hughes' death came in as a shock to everyone. One moment he was playing at a Sheffield match in Sydney, the next moment he was fighting for his life in the hospital. He never regained consciousness until his death on Nov. 27.

A report by ITV has revealed the real cause of Hughes' death. The doctors said that the ball that hit Hughes during the Sheffield match broke a major artery in his neck and eventually caused excessive bleeding in his brain.

"Phillip took the blow at the side of his neck," Dr. Peter Brukner said. "As a result of that blow, his vertebral artery, one of the main arteries leading to the brain, was compressed by the ball that caused the artery to split, and for bleeding to go up into the brain."

Hughes swerved, exposing the back of his neck, to avoid a short delivery from bowler Sean Abbott during the match. Hughes instantly fell down on the ground as soon as he was struck by the ball. He was immediately given emergency assistance, such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and artificial respiration before he was brought to St. Vincent's Hospital. At the hospital, Hughes underwent surgery and stayed in the intensive care unit until the time of his death.

Trauma Director at St. Vincent's Hospital Tony Grabs said that Hughes' injury was "catastrophic." Grabs said that Hughes received immediate care. He said that they needed to make an intervention after they have seen the extent of the brain injury as seen on the results from the CT Scan.

Hughes' colleagues and family have expressed their grief following his death, BBC Sport reported. Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said that no words can convey what they are feeling right now. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said it was sad that Hughes' life was cut short by the tragic accident.

British tennis star Andy Murray also shared his thoughts on Hughes' passing on Twitter. Retired soccer legend David Beckham also took to social media to state his condolences for the Australian cricketer.

Hughes has played for South Australia and Worcestershire. He died at the age of 25.