A weekend cricket match in Melbourne's east turned to tragedy on Saturday afternoon, resulting in the death of an elderly spectator.
Scene of the Tragedy at Gracedale Park
The incident occurred at approximately 3pm on Saturday at Gracedale Park in Ringwood East. The man, believed to be in his 90s, was sitting on a park bench with his family, watching a third division match between Ainslie Park and Croydon Rangers.
Shocked players and spectators witnessed the accident and immediately rushed to the elderly man's aid. In a desperate attempt to save his life, they tried to pull a tree off him while one player began performing CPR.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
The local cricket match was stopped immediately, and emergency services were called to the scene. Despite the swift efforts of those present and the arriving paramedics, the man could not be saved.
The event has sent shockwaves through the close-knit local cricket community, leaving many players, volunteers, and spectators traumatised by what they witnessed during what should have been a routine weekend sporting fixture.
Cricket Victoria Offers Support
Cricket Victoria has confirmed it has reached out to both clubs involved in the match. The governing body is providing support to the players and volunteers affected by the tragic accident as they come to terms with the day's events.
The incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a community gathering can turn to disaster, impacting families and local sports groups across Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
