An inquest at Surrey Coroner’s Court in Woking heard Graham Thorpe had “spiralled into depression” after losing his job as a batting coach in 2022, and he had tried to take his own life on another occasion
There were “failings” in the provision of former England batter and coach Graham Thorpe’s care in the months before he died in August last year, a coroner said, as he recorded a conclusion of suicide at his inquest.
The 55-year-old died on the morning of August 4 2024 after being struck by a train at a railway station in Surrey. An inquest at Surrey Coroner’s Court in Woking heard he had “spiralled into depression” after losing his job as a batting coach in 2022, and he had tried to take his own life on another occasion.
Coroner Jonathan Stevens said at the inquest that the last time Thorpe was seen in person by healthcare professionals was on March 26 2024. He said: “In my judgment there were shortcomings in the care that should have been provided to Graham in the last four months or so of his life.”
He added “there were failings in the provision of his care” but said he cannot on the evidence conclude the failures were gross and so he can not conclude that if it were not for the failures Thorpe would not have died.
The coroner said: “It’s clear there were shortcomings in his care. If he had been seen in those last four months, particularly after that incident on June 28, I cannot say whether it would or would not have made any difference.”
Earlier on Friday, the inquest heard Thorpe was not perceived by healthcare professionals to be in a “crisis situation” after they were told he had been asking his wife “for help to end his life” weeks before he died.
Thorpe was a mainstay in the England set-up for many years, first as a batter between 1993 and 2005 before spending 12 years in coaching roles.
During a distinguished international career, he struck 16 Test hundreds for England, including a debut century against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993, and represented his country 182 times in all formats.
An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesperson said: “Graham was not only one of England’s greatest cricketers, but also a deeply admired and much‑loved person.
“His generosity, warmth, and passion for the game left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him — whether as a teammate, coach, or friend.
“His untimely death is a profound tragedy, and his loss is felt deeply across the cricketing community and far beyond. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Amanda, his children, his father Geoff, and all those who loved him.
“Graham’s passing is also a stark reminder of the challenges so many face with mental health.
“His family’s courage in sharing his story is deeply moving, and we hope that the upcoming ‘Day for Thorpey’ at the Kia Oval, in support of Mind, will both honour his memory and encourage others to speak openly and seek the help they need.”
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