Graham Thorpe’s Tragic End, A Cricket Legend Lost to Mental Health Struggles

The cricketing world is in mourning after it was revealed that former England cricketer Graham Thorpe tragically took his own life earlier this month. Thorpe, aged 55, had been battling severe depression and anxiety for several years, a struggle that culminated in his untimely death.

Thorpe’s wife, Amanda, disclosed in an interview with The Times that the former Surrey and England star had attempted suicide in May 2022, leading to a prolonged stay in intensive care. Despite these challenges, Thorpe’s mental health continued to deteriorate, and he ultimately believed that his loved ones would be better off without him.

“Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better,” Amanda Thorpe said. “He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him and we are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life.”

Thorpe was an elegant left-handed batsman who enjoyed a stellar career with England, playing in 100 Test matches and 82 one-day internationals between 1993 and 2005. His contributions to the sport, both as a player and later in various coaching roles, earned him widespread respect and admiration. However, Thorpe’s mental health struggles were a stark contrast to the mental fortitude he displayed on the cricket field. “Graham was renowned as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and he was in good physical health. But mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone,” Amanda Thorpe added.