Former England and Surrey batter Graham Thorpe tragically took his own life last week at the age of 55, as confirmed by his family. Known for his remarkable cricket career, Thorpe played 100 Test matches and 82 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for England. In an interview with The Times, his wife, Amanda, revealed that Thorpe had been battling depression and anxiety in recent years. Despite being surrounded by a loving family, including his wife and two daughters, he struggled with severe mental health issues, ultimately believing that his family would be better off without him.
Amanda shared that Graham had been experiencing major depression and anxiety over the past couple of years, which led to a serious suicide attempt in May 2022. This incident resulted in an extended stay in an intensive care unit. Despite brief moments of hope and glimpses of the person he used to be, his mental health challenges persisted. The family did everything they could to support him, exploring numerous treatments, but unfortunately, nothing proved effective. His story highlights the harsh reality of mental illness, which can persist despite the love and support from those around us.
Graham Thorpe will be remembered as one of the greatest batters of his era, amassing 2,380 runs in 82 ODIs and 6,744 runs in 100 Test matches, with an impressive average of 44.66 and 16 centuries. After retiring in 2005, he transitioned into coaching, working in Australia and then returning to Surrey and the England national team. In honor of his legacy, Thorpe’s family is considering launching a foundation to raise awareness about mental health issues, emphasizing that there should be no stigma or shame in discussing these challenges. His eldest daughter, Kitty, expressed the family’s desire to talk openly about Thorpe’s struggles and help others facing similar issues.
The cricket community has paid heartfelt tributes to Thorpe following his passing. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) praised him not only as one of England’s finest batters but also as a cherished member of the cricket family. Former England captain Joe Root described Thorpe as a “hero, mentor, and so much more,” while ex-captain Michael Vaughan thanked him for his invaluable advice throughout his career. In June 2022, current England captain Ben Stokes wore a special shirt in support of Thorpe, displaying his name and the number 564, marking his status as the 564th player capped by England. Thorpe’s impact on the cricket world is evident as tributes continue to pour in, honoring his contributions both on and off the field. A minute’s silence was held at cricket grounds nationwide to commemorate his life and legacy.
