Hobden was 22. He studied at university in Cardiff before turning his focus to a cricket career, playing frequent first-class and limited-overs matches for Sussex over the past two seasons.
He was earmarked for a bright future in the game and was one of six pacemen chosen to take part in the Potential England Performance Programme (PEPP) this winter.
The group of bowlers were due to spend time in Johannesburg alongside the senior England side, helping with preparations for the one-day international series against South Africa.
Sussex said in a statement: "Sussex Cricket is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Matthew Hobden.
"Matthew was an exciting young cricketer with a big future ahead of him in the game. He was a fantastic individual who had progressed through Sussex's youth and academy ranks, having been born locally in Eastbourne.
England's players wore black armbands on the second day of their Test v South Africa
"He made his first-class debut for Sussex in 2014 and had represented the county across all three formats over the past two seasons. He will be greatly missed.
"Sussex would like to offer their deepest condolences to Matthew's family and friends at this difficult time.
"Players and staff will be offered as much support as is possible and we would like both Matthew's family, and everyone connected with Sussex Cricket, to be respected with privacy at this time."
Thoughts with Matt Hobden's family and friends. Puts worrying about a game of cricket in perspective. Sad news
— Ashley Giles (@Gilo) January 2, 2016
The cause of death was not known.
Hobden was making his way in professional cricket and had a rocky spell with the ball early last season, bowling a host of no-balls in a match against Middlesex.
That prompted Sussex's then captain Ed Joyce to come to his defence and predict he would become a major asset to the team.
Woke up to the really Sad news of the passing of Matt Hobden ... A real talent an taken too early !! Enjoy life an be happy #RIP
— Ryan Sidebottom (@RyanSidebottom) January 3, 2016
Joyce said in The Argus newspaper in May: "We really want him to be a luxury bowler who is able to run in and bowl fast and if he is not getting a spell right we can take him off and bring someone else on.
"I think Matt will be a fantastic cricketer for Sussex in the future but he is still young and learning his trade at the moment."
On learning of Hobden's death, Joyce said: "In shock. Can't get my head around the news. RIP Matt Hobden. Thoughts with his family RIP Hobsy"
Former Sussex and England wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Prior expressed his sadness at the news.
#RIPHobsy http://pic.twitter.com/s25gOlUzjC
— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) January 2, 2016
Hobden had two first-class five-wicket hauls on his career record.
England one-day captain Eoin Morgan said: "Thoughts and prayers are with Matt Hobden's family and friends at this extremely difficult time."
The Professional Cricketers' Association said: "@pca are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Matt Hobden. Our thoughts and condolences with Matt's family, friends and colleagues"
So saddened to hear about the death of Matt Hobden, an extremely talented young cricketer at Sussex. All our thoughts are with his family
— Paul Collingwood (@Colly622) January 2, 2016
Collingwood's Durham team-mate - and England international - Graham Onions added: "Heartbreaking news about Matt Hobden. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends £RIPhobsy"
Several county sides and current players also spoke of their sorrow at Hobden's death.
No words. Should have been many, many more photos like this. Miss you mate. RIP x http://pic.twitter.com/8YvMOVMWJR
— Tymal Mills (@tmills15) January 2, 2016
Hobden was educated at Millfield School in Somerset.
Former school-mate Ella Eyre, now a pop star, also commemorated the 22-year-old on Twitter.
unbelievably sad to hear about a lovely lad i went to school with, Matt Hobden passing age 22, far too young, rest in peace x
— Ella Eyre (@EllaEyre) January 2, 2016
England will wear black armbands on day two of the second Test against South Africa in memory of Matthew Hobden.
A message on the England cricket team's Facebook page read: "We are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Matthew Hobden. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and team-mates.
"The England players will wear black armbands during today's play in memory of Matthew."
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