The sports community is mourning after the horrific drowning death of 17-year-old Ben Austin. He tragically passed away in a freak accident as he warmed up for a senior T20 cricket game in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday arvo. Austin was recently elected to second place in the Waverley Park Hawks’ best and fairest. He was a beloved civic leader in the cricket and football communities, instrumental in founding his beloved Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, as well as the Rowville Sports Academy.
Just minutes before the opening match started, Ben Austin was hit by a ball while batting in the practice nets. No one expected this kind of accident. Despite the immediate attention of specialized paramedics, he tragically succumbed to his injuries the next Wednesday. The news has understandably left both his family and his clubs reeling from a tragic and untimely loss.
In his very short life, Austin truly was a man whose talents truly shone as brightly in the realm of cricket, as they did on the football field. He played more than 100 games for the Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club. Through his skill and sportsmanship, he gained a reputation as an exemplary athlete. His teammates, coaches and parents of his friends loved him, every single one saying how respectful he was and that he was such a sweet boy.
“We want our son to have his peace,” Jace Austin, Ben’s father, said about the deep anguish of a grieving family.
“We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben, who died earlier on Thursday morning,” – Jace Austin
He went on to reflect on Ben’s role within their family:
“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.” – Jace Austin
The family’s heartache is compounded by the knowledge that Ben was doing what he loved most—playing cricket—with friends when the tragedy occurred.
“This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers — going down to the nets with mates to play cricket. He loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life.” – Jace Austin
Austin’s clubs have been equally impacted by his loss. The Waverley Park Hawks offered their deepest condolences and support to the entire Austin family through this tragic time.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Austin family during this difficult time and send all our love to Jace, Tracey, Cooper and Zach,” – Waverley Park
The ripple effect from this tragedy has gone far beyond his immediate family. Jace Austin saw the effect it took on his son’s teammate emotionally. The recall teammate was bowling in the nets when tragedy struck.
“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,” – Jace Austin
In memory of their gentle son, Ben Austin’s community described him as a kind-hearted youth who was maturing into a very good young man. His loss will be felt in immeasurable ways by both clubs for years to come. Friends and family come together to mourn the loss of a young life. They rejoice at his life, celebrating the eternal influence he had on every person who knew him.
