A quiet family afternoon at a local park ended in tragedy when a 91-year-old man was killed in a freak accident while watching a cricket match in suburban Australia.
The devastating incident unfolded around 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, at Gracedale Park in Ringwood East, located east of Melbourne.
According to a statement from Victoria Police, the man had stopped with his family to watch a cricket match when a tree suddenly collapsed and struck him.
“It is understood a tree fell on the man,” police said. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and worked desperately to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the park.
Authorities confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. The man’s identity has not been released.
Witnesses described frantic moments after the tree fell, with players and spectators sprinting to help. One cricket player immediately began CPR before paramedics arrived, according to local reports. Despite their efforts, the man could not be revived.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Cricket Victoria said it is supporting players and volunteers who witnessed the incident.
“Cricket Victoria extends our condolences to the family and friends of the individual who tragically lost his life on Saturday,” the organization said in a statement.
What's Up Team