The Australian Field Hockey Community is in shock following the tragic death of 24-year-old Lizzie Watkins in a tragic accident during the match on May 6, 2012.

The elite 24-year-old died from fatal head injuries after a Field Hockey Ball deflected off her own stick and hit her in the back of the head during a game at Curtin University. "She rushed from fullback to make a tackle when the ball deflected and hit her on the back of the head".

The young woman was a defender for North Coast Raiders who were playing the Victoria Park Panthers.

She fell to the ground unconscious when she was hit midway through the first half of the game.

Ms. Watkins was playing alongside her elder sister Catherine Carrol at Curtin University in Western Australia, when the incident occurred.

Competition in which she was playing was one of the best in the world with a huge number of current and former Olympic players.

People at the scene attempted to revive Ms Watkins, who was breathing when an amulance arrived.

She died on the way to hospital.

Hockey Australia Chief Executive Mark Anderson said Sunday was a very sad day for the sport.

“On behalf of the entire hockey community I would like to express our support and sympathies to the Watkins family at this very sad time. Our thoughts extend to all involved at the North Coast Raiders Hockey Club," he said.

“Hockey is a sport that is known for its strong sense of community. I know that members of our two national teams and players involved at all levels of our sport are saddened by this tragic event.

"The Kookaburras wore black arm bands in the final of the London VISA International Invitational Hockey Tournament overnight at Olympic Park out of respect for Lizzie and her family.

Kookaburras player Jamie Dwyer tweeted: “All the Kookaburras thoughts are with the Watkins family after the devastating news. Such a sad day in the hockey world.”

”I know that our community both nationally and particularly in Western Australia will pull together to provide as much support as possible to all involved."

Hockey WA are working closely with their community and the North Coast Raiders Hockey Club to ensure all possible support is provided to those involved in the accident.

Rest In Peace Lizzie Watkins ~ RIP