Graham Thorpe tried to kill himself in 2022 while battling ‘depression and anxiety, his wife says – after troubled England cricket legend thought his family would be ‘better off without him’
Graham Thorpe attempted suicide in 2022 while struggling with ‘depression and anxiety’, his grieving wife revealed.
The cricket legend died on the morning of August 4 at the age of 55 after being hit by a train near his home in Surrey.
Yesterday, his wife Amanda spoke about the batsman’s mental health issues, saying he had been battling ‘severe depression and anxiety’ for the past few years.
The widow said he had recently become so ill that he believed his family would be better off without him. She said: ‘We are devastated that he reacted to this and took his own life.’
The survivors have been widely praised for their “incredible strength” and courage, revealing that he committed suicide in the hope that it might encourage others in trouble to seek help.
Amanda bravely told how her husband’s condition was at times “very serious” and that a “serious attempt on his life” two years ago “resulted in a prolonged stay in intensive care”.
Graham Thorpe attempted suicide in 2022 as he struggled with ‘depression and anxiety’, his grieving wife Amanda (pictured) has revealed
The left-handed Surrey batsman was a talisman for England and a hero to many who grew up watching cricket in the 1990s (pictured here in March 2002 after hitting a double century in a Test match against New Zealand)
Thorpe with his wife Amanda, their two daughters Kitty, now 22, and Emma, now 19, and his parents at the Wrecclesham Village Fete in Surrey in 2016
Speaking with The Times She said: ‘Despite the sparks of hope and the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times became very severe.
‘We supported him as a family and he tried many treatments, but unfortunately none of them really seemed to work.
‘Graham was known as someone who was mentally very strong on the field and he was in good physical health. But mental illness is a real illness and can affect anyone. Despite having a wife and two daughters who he loved and who loved him, he did not get better.’
The left-handed Surrey batsman was a talisman for England and a hero to many who grew up with cricket in the 1990s.
An inquest into his death begins today in Woking.
His wife Amanda confirmed that the father of four had previously attempted suicide in May 2022, but was recovering in hospital despite his serious illness.
The following month, Ben Stokes wore a shirt bearing Thorpe’s name and his cap number, 564, ahead of his first Test match as permanent captain against New Zealand at Lord’s.
Further compliments poured in from those he coached under, alongside, against or with after his second wife and daughters Kitty, 22, and Emma, 19, revealed he had been struggling with poor mental health for some time.
Graham Thorpe’s family have been praised for speaking out about mental health following his death
The former England batsman took his own life on August 4 after battling depression
Sam Billings praised the ‘incredible strength’ shown by Thorpe’s family in the aftermath of his death
His former England manager David Lloyd said: ‘The news of how Graham’s life ended only adds to the sense of sadness. He was a troubled soul.
‘As a player he was revered by his team-mates and he was extremely cricket savvy, he knew how to adapt to any situation. For these reasons he was the cricketer’s cricketer.’
Sam Billings, who worked under Thorpe’s coaching as an England player, added: ‘Heartbreaking. Thinking of Amanda, Kitty and Emma. Incredible power to talk about this and spread awareness. Thorpey, you will be sorely missed mate, I can’t thank you enough for the influence and impact you had on me.’
Darren Lehmann, an Australian opponent of Thorpe during his 100-Test career, sent a message from Down Under: ‘Thanks for sharing your story, Thorpe family, I hope it helps others. He was a great man and mental illness is real and comes in many different forms.’
His two daughters said he rarely spoke of his legendary status as an athlete, telling them he “played ball” and how he loved his family and “would dance anywhere, on anything.”
His legacy will be one of his memories, with Kitty saying: ‘We’re not ashamed to talk about it. There’s nothing to hide and it’s not a stigma.’
Ben Stokes wore a shirt with Thorpe’s name and cap number ahead of England’s Test match against New Zealand
England batting coach Graham Thorpe and Joe Root on August 20, 2019
Graham Thorpe with his first wife Nicola and eldest son Henry at Heathrow Airport after returning from England’s tour of New Zealand in 1997
Graham Gooch showers Graham Thorpe with champagne after his century on his debut against Australia
English legend Graham Thorpe has committed suicide, his family have revealed
England’s Graham Thorpe (right) and Alec Stewart come off the field with their helmets, gloves and bats after hitting a 150-all on the fourth day of the second Test match against Zimbabwe.
Julie Bentley, Chief Executive of Samaritans, echoed the sentiment when she said: ‘Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and sadly we know that one in five people will face suicidal thoughts in their lifetime, but many people fight this battle in silence.
“It is so important to have open and honest conversations about suicide because we know it can save lives.
‘Talking openly can help break the stigma surrounding the topic and can encourage people who are struggling to get the vital support they need.’
For confidential support call Samaritans on 116123 or visit www.samaritans.org