New Delhi: Former England and Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe died by suicide on August 5, 2024, at the age of 55, as announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The ECB did not initially provide details about the cause of death, but Thorpe's wife, Amanda, has since revealed that he took his own life.
In an interview with former England captain Michael Atherton, Amanda disclosed that Thorpe had been struggling with severe depression and anxiety for the past two years, which ultimately led to his tragic death. She shared that despite his love for his family—his wife and two daughters—he felt unable to recover from his mental health issues.
Amanda described how Thorpe had been fighting a prolonged battle with both his mental and physical health. She mentioned that he believed his family would be better off without him, a sentiment that deeply affected them. A memorial service was held in Thorpe’s honor before a cricket match between Farnham Cricket Club and Chipstead Cricket Club, attended by Amanda and their daughters, Kitty and Emma.
Amanda further revealed that Thorpe had previously attempted to end his life in May 2022 and had spent several days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). His mental health struggles were severe and persistent, contributing to his eventual decision to take his own life.
Graham Thorpe was a distinguished cricketer, amassing 6,744 runs in 100 Test matches at an average of 44.66, including 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries. He also played 82 One Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring 2,380 runs at an average of 37.18, with 21 half-centuries. In county cricket for Surrey, he accumulated nearly 20,000 runs.
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