Graham Thorpe: A Year After His Passing
A year after the tragic passing of former England cricketer Graham Thorpe, his family has spoken out about his illness and the importance of seeking support. Thorpe, a celebrated batsman who played 100 Tests for England, died on August 4, 2024, at the age of 55.
His widow, Amanda Thorpe, shared her experiences with Sky Sports, highlighting the challenges Thorpe faced and the crucial support provided by The Cricketers' Trust. The inquest into Thorpe's death concluded that there were "failings" in his care in the months leading up to his suicide.
Thorpe's Struggles with Depression
The Surrey Coroner's Court heard that Thorpe had "spiralled into depression" after losing his job as a batting coach in 2022. Coroner Jonathan Stevens noted that the last in-person healthcare professional visit was on March 26, 2024.
Mark Butcher of Sky Sports spoke with the Thorpe family, exploring the significance of mental health support systems. Thorpe's career saw him captain England three times and serve in various coaching roles from 2010 to 2022.
Importance of Mental Health Support
This article addresses sensitive themes of suicide and depression. If you or someone you know is struggling, please visit sky.com/viewersupport for help and resources. The Thorpe family's story underscores the urgent need for accessible and effective mental health support, especially for athletes transitioning out of their professional careers.
- Seek support if you are struggling.
- Mental health is just as important as physical health.
- Resources are available to help.
Thorpe's legacy extends beyond his cricketing achievements; it now includes raising awareness about mental health and the importance of seeking help.