Coroner’s court rules Phil Hughes death as accidental

In the recent inquest into the tragic death of former Australian opener Phil Hughes, the Coroner’s court, who had begun the inquest in the first place has finally reached a verdict. The verdict has gone on to rule the death of the Australian opener as a ‘Tragic Accident’, something that was the initial ruling. Hughes’ death shook the world and also brought about several changes in the protective gear for batsmen.

It has been over a year since the death of Phil Hughes. However, the inquest saw the likes of David Warner, Brad Haddin, and Doug Bollinger made to appear at the court and testify for the death of their former teammate. Dough Bollinger, in particular, was on the firing line as he was alleged to have sledged Hughes whilst bowling to him on the same day Hughes was hit on the neck.

NSW State Coroner Michael Barnes said that he could find no evidence from the argument made by the Hughes family that their son had died in a ‘very unsafe work environment’. “The family’s grief at losing their much-loved son and brother was exacerbated by their belief that unfair play had contributed to his death,” said Barnes.

“It is hoped that they accept the compelling evidence that the rules were complied with. Phillip was excelling at the crease as he so often did and that his death was a tragic accident.”

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Barnes also added that he hoped that the unsavoury aspect of the incident would make it a point to reduce the sledging the Aussies have been employing over the years. “Hopefully, the focus on this unsavoury aspect of the incident may cause those who claim to love the game to reflect upon whether the practice of sledging is worthy of its participants,” said Barnes.

“An outsider is left to wonder why such a beautiful game would need such an ugly underside.”