Former England Cricketer Graham Thorpe Dies by Suicide Amid Mental Health Battle

Graham Thorpe, ex-England cricketer, died by suicide at 55 after battling depression and anxiety. His family confirmed he struggled with mental health issues for years. Thorpe, a notable batsman, had also tried coaching but faced setbacks. His passing highlights the struggle with mental illness, despite career success.

Graham Thorpe, a former England cricketer revered for his batting prowess, has died by suicide at age 55 following a prolonged battle with depression and anxiety. His family confirmed the tragic news in an interview with Michael Atherton.

Thorpe had not been active in the sport since being removed as an assistant coach after England's Ashes defeat in 2021-22. Despite his mental health struggles, he was initially slated to coach Afghanistan but couldn't follow through after a serious suicide attempt in May 2022 left him hospitalized.

Amanda Thorpe, his wife, revealed that Thorpe had tried various treatments to combat his mental health issues but to no avail. She emphasized that his illness overshadowed his love for family and his physical health, ultimately leading to his demise. Known for his strong mental fortitude on the field, Thorpe's battle with depression underscores the indiscriminate nature of mental illness.

Thorpe made his international debut in 1993 and became a mainstay in English cricket throughout the late 90s and early 2000s. He played 100 Test matches, amassing 6744 runs, and was instrumental in England's ODI campaigns. After retiring in 2005, Thorpe transitioned into coaching, contributing significantly to England's cricketing successes in the 2010s.

His final coaching role was as England's assistant coach, a position he held until the 2021/22 Ashes series. Although appointed as Afghanistan's head coach in 2022, his deteriorating mental health prevented him from assuming the role. The cricketing world mourns the loss of a player and coach who left an indelible mark on the sport.

(With inputs from agencies.)