An inquest has revealed that COVID-19 played a role in the tragic death of beloved English cricket legend Graham Thorpe. Thorpe passed away in 2024 following “traumatic injuries” sustained during an incident at a railway station in southeast England.
The cricket world was shocked when Thorpe’s wife, Amanda, previously disclosed that her husband, aged 55, had taken his own life. She has now provided further insights into the personal struggles he faced leading up to that heartbreaking moment.
“In the weeks leading up to his death, he told me he didn’t want to be here anymore,” Amanda Thorpe shared during the inquest. “He asked me to help him end his life. He said he wanted to go to Switzerland. I was in turmoil.”
The Impact of COVID-19 and Personal Struggles
Amanda Thorpe explained that her husband found the COVID-19 lockdowns “very difficult” and “stressful.” These sentiments were echoed by Thorpe’s father, Geoff, who expressed certainty that the pandemic contributed to his son’s demise.
“Everything was fine until COVID,” Geoff Thorpe stated. “(He was) not a fella who likes to be cooped up. What you’ve got to realise is, sometimes us chaps are a little bit macho … we (say) can cope (but) in fact we can’t.”
Graham Thorpe’s life took a significant downturn after he was dismissed by the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2022. The dismissal followed a controversial incident where England players were filmed drinking after a Test match in Tasmania, which ended with police intervention. This incident came on the heels of England’s disappointing Ashes series loss in 2021-22.
Career Highlights and Challenges
Thorpe made his international debut in 1993, scoring a century in his first Ashes appearance, a feat unmatched by an England player in two decades. He was a staple in the England side, amassing 16 Test centuries and participating in 82 One Day Internationals (ODIs).
His final Test appearance was in June 2005, before being omitted from the victorious Ashes series that summer. Post-retirement, Thorpe contributed to cricket by coaching in New South Wales, mentoring future stars like Steve Smith and David Warner. He returned to England’s coaching staff from 2010 to 2022, even stepping in as head coach during the Ashes series when Chris Silverwood was sidelined due to COVID-19.
Personal Reflections and Family’s Perspective
Amanda Thorpe revealed that despite having a loving family, Graham struggled with severe depression and anxiety. “He did not get better. He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him,” she said in an interview with The Times in 2024.
“For the past couple of years, Graham had been suffering from major depression and anxiety. This led him to make a serious attempt on his life in May 2022, which resulted in a prolonged stay in an intensive care unit.”
His eldest daughter, Kitty, emphasized that the family is not ashamed to discuss these issues and hopes to raise awareness about mental health. “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. This is the time now to share the news, however horrible it is.”
Ongoing Inquest and Broader Implications
The inquest into Thorpe’s death continues, shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by sports figures. The case underscores the importance of addressing mental health openly and the impact of external stressors like the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals’ well-being.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression, contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or talk to your GP, local health professional, or someone you trust.
