‘Horrible’: Cricket legend’s cause of death revealed

In a heartbreaking interview, the wife of cricketer Graham Thorpe has revealed his devastating cause of death.

The wife of cricket legend Graham Thorpe has revealed the cricketer died by suicide.

Amanda Thorpe told UK publication The Times that her husband had suffered from depression and anxiety for a number of years and had been admitted into hospital in May 2022 after attempting to take his own life.

The father of four, who died on August 4 at age 55, has been remembered as one of the greatest English players of his generation.

Graham Thorpe has been remembered as one of the greatest cricketers. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

“Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better. He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him,” Amanda told The Times.

“We are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life. Despite glimpses of hope and of the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times got very severe.

“We supported him as a family and he tried many, many treatments but unfortunately none of them really seemed to work. Graham was renowned as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and he was in good physical health.

“But mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone.”

The match officials and players of the men's and women's teams line-up on the field to observe a minute's silence in tribute to Graham Thorpe in Cardiff, Wales. Picture: Dan Istitene/Getty Images

His daughter Kitty added, “We are not ashamed of talking about it. There is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma. We were trying to help him get better before and trying to protect him, which is why we said nothing.

“This is the time now to share the news, however horrible it is. We’ve wanted to be able to talk and share and we’d now like to raise awareness, too.”

Mr Thorpe is survived by his wife Amanda and their two daughters Kitty, 22, and Emma, 19, as well as his children Henry and Amelia, from his first wife Nicky.

For help with emotional difficulties, contact Lifelineon 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au.

For help with depression, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 or at beyondblue.org.au.

The SANE Helpline is 1800 18 SANE (7263) or at sane.org.