Two days after a ball hit him on the head during a game, Australian cricket star Phillip Hughes died Thursday at the age of 25 leaving his family, friends and the sports world devastated.

Australia captain Michael Clarke attended a news conference at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital to read a statement about Hughes on behalf of the well-known batsman’s parents, sister and brother.

"We're devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother, Phillip. It's been a very difficult few days. We appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public,” the statement read.

"Cricket was Phillip's life and we as a family shared that love of the game with him. We would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket New South Wales medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you."

Hughes, who represented Australia during many international matches, was playing a domestic game in Sydney on Tuesday against New South Wales when he collapsed after being hit by a ball thrown by 22-year-old Sean Abbott. Although he was wearing a helmet, Hughes was hit in an area of his neck that was not protected. He died from vertebral artery dissection, which Australia team doctor Peter Brukner called “incredibly rare,” according to BBC.

"His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family. What happened has touched millions of Australians," Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said. "For a young life to be cut short playing our national game seems a shocking aberration. He was loved, admired and respected by his team-mates and by legions of cricket fans."

Hughes, who played his first Test at the age of 20, had his "best cricket still ahead of him," according to current cricket administrator James Sutherland.

Tags: celebrity deaths