Graham Thorpe, Former England Cricketer, Dies by Suicide at 55

Graham Thorpe, the former England cricketer, tragically took his own life, as his family confirmed. The 55-year-old, who played 100 Tests and 82 one-day internationals for England, battled depression and anxiety for several years. His wife, Amanda revealed in an interview with *The Times* that despite the love and support from his family, Thorpe’s mental health continued to deteriorate, leading to his tragic decision.

Thorpe, who retired in 2005, stood out as one of the finest batters of his generation, amassing 6,744 runs in Tests at an average of 44.66, including 16 centuries. After ending his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, working in Australia and later with Surrey and England. Thorpe’s family is now considering launching a foundation in his name to raise awareness about mental health issues, a cause they believe is vital to address.

His eldest daughter, Kitty, emphasized the importance of openly discussing mental health, stating that no shame or stigma should exist in talking about it. Waqar Younis, former Pakistan captain and close friend of Thorpe, expressed deep sorrow, describing Thorpe as “a brother” and highlighting the significant impact he had on his life. Younis fondly recalled their time together at Surrey and praised Thorpe’s remarkable cricketing skills.

He particularly highlighted Thorpe’s ability to perform under pressure. The cricket community has poured in tributes, with figures like Joe Root, Michael Vaughan, and Ben Stokes honoring Thorpe’s legacy. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recognized him not only as one of England’s greatest batters but also as a beloved figure within the cricketing world.

Cricket grounds across the UK held a minute’s silence to pay tribute to Graham Thorpe’s memory.