Graham Thorpe’s Wife Reveals Cricketer Took His Own Life

Former England cricketer and coach Graham Thorpe, aged 55, tragically took his own life after battling severe depression and anxiety.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed Thorpe’s death on August 6, 2024.

Thorpe’s wife, Amanda, revealed in an interview with Michael Atherton for The Times that he had been struggling with major depression and anxiety since May 2022.

Despite numerous treatments and support from his family, Thorpe’s condition worsened over time.

“For the past couple of years, Graham had been suffering from major depression and anxiety,” Amanda shared. “Despite glimpses of hope of the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times got very severe. We supported him as a family and he tried many, many treatments but unfortunately none of them really seemed to work.”

Amanda emphasized that Thorpe, known for his mental strength on the field and good physical health, was profoundly affected by mental illness.

“Mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone. Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better.”

Thorpe’s condition had previously led to a serious suicide attempt in May 2022. His family had kept his struggles private, hoping to protect him while seeking help.

His daughter Kitty, aged 22, spoke out to raise awareness about mental health, saying, “We are not ashamed of talking about it. There is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma. We were trying to help him get better before and trying to protect him, which is why we said nothing.”

Thorpe had a distinguished cricket career, playing exactly 100 Tests for England and scoring 16 centuries before retiring in 2005.

He also served as England’s batting coach until 2022. His contributions to the sport were honored by current England players, including a tribute shirt worn by captain Ben Stokes in his first game as England captain.

The Thorpe family hopes that sharing their experience will help raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.