A recent revelation by Graham Thorpe’s spouse suggests that enhanced support from the England and Wales Cricket Board might have prevented his untimely death after he exited his coaching position with the organization. Thorpe, a highly esteemed batsman and former England assistant coach, tragically took his own life in August last year following a prolonged struggle with anxiety and depression.
During an inquest at Surrey Coroner’s Court in Woking in July 2025, it was disclosed that Thorpe had descended into depression after losing his coaching job in 2022. The coroner, Jonathan Stevens, pointed out deficiencies in the care provided to Thorpe by healthcare professionals leading up to his demise, ultimately ruling his death as suicide. Thorpe had been undergoing therapy for mental health issues for 18 months prior to his departure from the ECB.
Stevens acknowledged that the ECB had supported Thorpe by funding his treatment, hospital stays, and extending his health insurance coverage after he left in February 2022. Nevertheless, Amanda Thorpe, his widow, expressed her belief that more assistance could have been extended to help him feel more connected during that transitional phase.
In an interview with talkSPORT, she emphasized that if the abrupt end to his cricketing career had not occurred, he might still be alive today. She stressed the importance of having a support system in place during such a significant life shift. Amanda Thorpe also criticized the remote support provided, describing it as inadequate and insufficient.
Reflecting on Thorpe’s deteriorating mental state during therapy sessions, she lamented the lack of adequate help despite their requests for more support. The ECB has been approached for a response.
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