GRAHAM Thorpe’s wife revealed the cricket legend took his own life as she spoke about his mental health struggles.
Thorpe died last week aged 55 after a long and illustrious career for England and Surrey.
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Graham Thorpe took his own life, his wife Amanda Zasluge said.Credit: Getty
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Thorpe, his wife Amanda and their daughters Kitty and Emma in 2007. Credit: Rex
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Graham Thorpe in action for England against the West Indies in 2004. Credit: Getty
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England and Surrey batsman Thorpe died aged 55 earlier this monthCredit: Reuters
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Thorpe captained England during his illustrious careerCredit: PA: Press Association
The father of four was seriously ill in hospital in May 2022 after trying to kill himself.
He recovered, but took his own life on Sunday, Aug. 4, said his wife, Amanda Thorpe.
Amanda told The Times: “Despite having a wife and two daughters who he loved and who loved him, he wasn’t getting better.
“He had been so unwell recently and he really believed we would be better off without him.”
She added: “We are devastated that he acted on it and took his own life.”
Amanda said Graham had suffered from major depression and anxiety for “several years”.
She said her husband was admitted to intensive care in May 2022 after an attempted murder.
Amanda said: “Despite the glimmers of hope and old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which became very severe at times.
“We supported him as a family and he tried many, many treatments but unfortunately none of them worked.
“Graham was known as someone who was very mentally strong on the pitch and was in good physical health.
“But mental illness is a real illness and it can affect anyone.”
Thorpe made his international debut in 1993 and scored a century on his first Ashes appearance, becoming the first England player to do so in 20 years.
He was a regular for England and played 100 Tests, scored 16 centuries and played 82 times for the ODI side, and also enjoyed a 17-year career with Surrey.
His last Test appearance came in June 2005 before he was left out of that summer’s victorious Ashes series and his international career was ruled out.
In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away.
“There seem to be no adequate words to describe the profound shock we feel at Graham’s death.
“More than one of England’s greatest ever batsmen, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and adored by fans around the world.
“His skill was unquestionable and his ability and achievements during a 13-year international career brought so much happiness to his England and Surrey CCC teammates and supporters.
“Later, as a coach, he guided England’s best talent to incredible victories in all forms of the game.
“The cricketing world is in mourning today. Our hearts go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff and all his family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time.
“Graham will always be remembered for his outstanding contributions to the sport.”
Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he was not getting better
Amanda Thorpe
Former England captain Michael Vaughan paid tribute to his former teammate.
Vaughan said: “RIP Thorpey. Thanks for all the advice throughout my career, you’ve been a great player and a brilliant team-mate.
“You’re gone too young, but you’re leaving as a legend of English cricket.”
Making the announcement on Twitter, Vaughan added: “Thoughts with everyone who knew Thorpey and all the family xxx.”
Thorpe remained in the game as a coach after retiring from playing.
He moved to New South Wales where he worked with the young Steve Smith and David Warner.
He later returned to work as a coach with England between 2010 and 2022.
Thorpe took over leading his country in the familiar surroundings of the Sydney Cricket Ground after Chris Silverwood was sidelined with the coronavirus.
He secured a draw to avoid the seemingly inevitable Ashes blow.
Graham was known as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and was in good physical health
Amanda Thorpe
Steve Elworthy, Surrey chief executive, said: “Everyone associated with the club is devastated by the tragic news of Graham’s death.
“He achieved outstanding success for club and country and was a hero to so many cricket fans.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Graham’s family and friends, to whom we will offer all the support we can.
“We ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”
The Professional Cricketers’ Association released a statement on behalf of Thorpe’s family in May 2022, saying the England legend had “fallen seriously ill” and was being treated in hospital.
“His prognosis is unclear at this stage… our thoughts are with Graham and his family,” the statement said.
He left behind his wife Amanda and four children, Henry, Amelia, Kitty and Emma.
More than one of England’s greatest ever batsmen, he was a beloved member of the cricketing family and adored by fans around the world.
ECB
Thorpe was born on 1 August 1969 in Farnham Market, just over an hour from The Oval.
He remembered being drafted by local team Wrecclesham’s Under-17s when he was still just eight years old.
Surrey spotted Thorpe early on, picking him up as an under-11.
Surrey never let him go, even when Brentford Football Club called with a trial offer.
Thorpe showed enough footballing promise to be selected by English schools as a link between defense and midfield.
But he would go on to choose the summer sport and later become one of the most successful spin players in the country.
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