Teen killed playing cricket was victim of misadventure
Tara Cosoleto |
A teenage boy who died after being struck in the neck during cricket training was a victim of misadventure, a coroner has determined.
Ben Austin, 17, was batting in the nets at Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne’s east, on the afternoon of October 28, 2025, when he was hit.
He took off his helmet and lay down on the ground, with his teammates believing he was mucking around.
They quickly called for help from their coach after they realised Ben was in trouble.
The coach performed CPR until paramedics arrived and stabilised Ben, transferring him to hospital.
But the teen was ultimately found to be brain dead. He died the following day.
Victorian coroner Simon McGregor held a directions hearing on Friday, where he advised Ben’s parents there would not be an inquest into their son’s death.
Mr McGregor had instead determined it was a case of misadventure by well-meaning young people who were using their cricket equipment properly.
There will also be no adverse findings against any person or organisation, the coroner indicated.
Formal coronial findings will be delivered in coming months.
Ben’s parents Jace and Tracey Austin wiped away tears during Friday’s brief hearing.
AAP