Former England cricketer Graham Thorpe tragically took his own life at the age of 55 after battling depression and anxiety, his wife Amanda revealed. Thorpe, who had been appointed as Afghanistan’s head coach in March 2022, had temporarily suspended all coaching activities due to health issues that were not disclosed at the time.
In an interview with Michael Atherton of The Times, Amanda Thorpe shared for the first time that her husband had been suffering from severe depression. “Despite having a wife and two daughters who loved him deeply, he couldn’t find a way to get better,” Amanda said. “In recent times, he was so unwell that he believed we would be better off without him. We are devastated that he acted on those thoughts and took his own life.”
Amanda explained that Graham had been struggling with major depression and anxiety for about two years, with a suicide attempt occurring in May 2022. Despite various treatments, his condition worsened over time, leaving the family desperate to find a solution.
Thorpe was celebrated as a fearless left-handed top-order batsman and a respected coach. He was a key member of the coaching team during England’s 2019 ODI World Cup victory. Over his career, Thorpe became one of Surrey’s greatest players, amassing more than 21,000 First-Class runs between 1988 and 2005. He scored 16 Test centuries, including a memorable 200 not out against New Zealand. He made his Test debut in 1993 against Australia at Trent Bridge, where he became the first Englishman in 20 years to score a century on debut.
Thorpe’s eldest daughter, Kitty, 22, emphasized that the family is not ashamed to discuss his struggles. “There is no shame in it. We stayed quiet before to protect him from the news, but now we want to raise awareness and encourage others to speak out.”
After retiring from playing, Thorpe transitioned into coaching, starting with New South Wales and later joining the Steve Smith and David Warner-led Australian team. He eventually returned to England as the national team’s batting coach and was later promoted to assistant coach under Trevor Bayliss.
Graham Thorpe’s tragic passing highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues openly. His battle with depression and anxiety serves as a poignant reminder that even those who appear strong and successful can suffer in silence. This tragedy underscores the critical need for greater awareness, support, and the courage to seek help when facing mental health challenges.
Read more: Suicide Awareness: Unveiling the Truth
Leave feedback about this