Depression Claims the Life of Former England Batter Thorpe
A Devastating Loss
Former England and Surrey batter, Graham Thorpe, tragically took his own life, his family has confirmed. The cricket world was stunned by the news of the 55-year-old's passing last week.
A Battle with Mental Health
In a heartbreaking interview with The Times, Thorpe's wife, Amanda, revealed that her husband had been enduring a prolonged battle with depression and anxiety. Despite the love and support of his family, the darkness of the illness proved insurmountable.
"For the past couple of years, Graham had been suffering from major depression and anxiety," Amanda said. "This led him to make a serious attempt on his life in May 2022, which resulted in a prolonged stay in intensive care."
A Legacy of Cricket Excellence
Thorpe was undoubtedly one of the finest batters of his generation. With 100 Test matches and 82 One-Day Internationals under his belt, he amassed 6,744 Test runs and 2,380 ODI runs. His retirement in 2005 marked the beginning of a successful coaching career, both in Australia and with Surrey and England.
A Call for Awareness
The Thorpe family is determined to turn their tragedy into a catalyst for change. They plan to launch a foundation in his name to raise awareness about mental health.
"We are not ashamed of talking about it," said Thorpe's eldest daughter, Kitty. "There is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma."
Tributes Pour In
The cricket world has been united in grief and support following Thorpe's death. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), former captains, and current players have offered heartfelt tributes to the beloved cricketer.
