Retired England Cricketer Graham Thorpe Dies by Suicide After Mental Health Struggle
On August 12, 2024, the family of Graham Thorpe, renowned former England cricketer, revealed in a poignant interview with Mike Atherton for The Times that Thorpe died by suicide following a prolonged battle with depression and anxiety.
Thorpe’s wife, Amanda, and elder daughter, Kitty, candidly shared the details of his struggle, emphasizing that there is no shame or stigma in discussing mental health challenges. “We are not ashamed of talking about it – there is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma,” Kitty stated.
The 55-year-old Thorpe, considered one of England’s greatest batters, had not worked in cricket since being removed from his role as an England assistant coach in the aftermath of the team’s 4-0 defeat in the 2021-22 Ashes. He was set to take over as Afghanistan’s head coach, but a previous attempt on his own life in May 2022 prevented this.
“Despite glimpses of hope and of the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times got very severe,” Amanda Thorpe said.
Kitty Thorpe, in a poignant tribute, remembered her father as a “free spirit” who “loved life and he loved us but he just couldn’t see a way out.” She expressed her hope that Thorpe would be remembered for the “complete character he was” before the illness took over.
The Surrey coroner is scheduled to hold an inquest into Thorpe’s death on Tuesday.
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