Graham Thorpe would still be alive if there had been more support from English cricket’s governing body, his widow believes.
The sportsman took his own life in August last year, having “spiralled into depression” after losing his job as an England assistant coach in 2022, Surrey Coroner’s Court heard in July.
Thorpe, one of the most celebrated batsmen of his generation, stepped down from his batting coach role in February 2022 after an Ashes defeat in Australia, and had tried to take his life on another occasion.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The 55-year-old died on 4 August 2024 following a long battle with anxiety and depression.
Thorpe had received therapy for his mental health for 18 months before leaving the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the coroner Jonathan Stevens said at his inquest.
After his departure, the organisation had “funded treatment, hospital stays and extended his health treatment insurance”, Mr Stevens added.
Now Thorpe’s widow, Amanda, has said he could have been saved had the ECB offered him more support.
Afghanistan to boycott Twenty20 cricket tri-series in Pakistan after ‘strike killed three local players’
India great Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket
Hundred investors force ECB onto sticky wicket over revised £975m deal
If the “entire rug of his cricketing career had not been pulled from under him so completely… it is really clear to me that he would still be alive”, she told talkSPORT.
Ms Thorpe continued: “It was just too much – the cliff, the whole mental breakdown of ‘I am no longer in that family’.
“If he had had just a little bit of the support framework there to lean on a bit to just transition a bit more, it would have made all the difference.”
She also felt the remote support offered was “woeful”.
Ms Thorpe said: “As he went through these sessions, it was clear that he wasn’t coping. He was getting worse.
“We really did ask for help. I knew he needed more help than that and it wasn’t forthcoming.”
Mr Stevens said there were “failings” in the provision of his care by health professionals in the months before he died, and recorded a conclusion of suicide.
Read more:
‘Failings’ in care of ex-England cricketer Graham Thorpe
Graham Thorpe asked wife ‘to help end his life’, inquest hears
What has the ECB said?
An ECB spokesperson said: “Graham was not only one of England’s greatest cricketers, but also a deeply admired and much loved person.
“His loss has been felt deeply across the cricketing community and far beyond and our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with his wife Amanda, his children and all those who loved him.
“Graham’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges many face with mental health.
“His death was examined by a Coroner; the inquest was held earlier this year with full support from the ECB.
“We have met with Amanda to discuss her concerns and have been in regular contact with her and the wider family.”
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
