Graham Thorpe, one of the greats of English cricket, died on August 4, 2024. He was hit by a freight train at a train station in Surrey. The coroner’s report, which has been highly critical of the care afforded Thorpe, found that these failings did not constitute gross misconduct. Thorpe’s tragic death has reverberated in shockwaves through the cricketing community. In his playing career, he was hailed as perhaps the best player of his generation.
Thorpe went on to have a brilliant career, playing more than a decade. He garnered national acclaim for his unmatched ability as a lefty hitter. He previously played county cricket for Surrey County Cricket Club. Further afield, he placed his stamp on the international game by donning an England cap a record 182 times in all formats. He captured 16 Test hundreds and scored a famous debut century against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993. Thorpe was a fixture in the England cricket hierarchy for decades.
After his playing career came to an end, Thorpe continued his work as a coach, serving in 12 different coaching positions. He relished mentoring other great players, such as Ben Stokes and Joe Root. This was partly due to him working through his secondment with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The termination of his role as a batting coach proved to be a turning point that significantly impacted his mental health, with his widow, Amanda Thorpe, describing it as a “real shock to Graham” that marked the “start of the decline of his mental health.”
In this case, the coroner concluded that Graham Thorpe had “spiralled into depression” after he was made redundant. Reports from his care co-ordinator highlighted that he was “constantly asking for help to end his life.” Tragically, this wasn’t even the first time Thorpe had tried to end his own life.
In a series of difficult conversations with his care provider, Thorpe shared feelings of hopelessness. He said he “couldn’t see the purpose of being here,” and acknowledged he “hadn’t been out in a long time.” This sentiment speaks to the depth of personal battles he was waging in the months before his passing.
Dr. Shriti Burgul, one of the doctors implicated in Thorpe’s treatment, admitted that there were lapses in his care. She remarked, “In the wisdom of hindsight, then yes, a home visit would have been clinically indicated.” This acknowledgment points to a deeper systemic failure that contributes to lackluster mental health support.
The ECB has released a statement saying it is “devastated” by Thorpe’s death. A spokesperson stated, “His generosity, warmth, and passion for the game left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.” They added that “his untimely death is a profound tragedy,” and that “our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his wife, children, his father, and all those who loved him.”
Amanda Thorpe shared her grief, stating, “We will never get over the tragic loss of Graham and we miss him every day.” Her compelling testimony highlights the profound toll this tragedy has taken on his family. They echo across the broader cricket/fan community.
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