Graham Thorpe’s spouse is of the opinion that if he had received more backing from the England and Wales Cricket Board after stepping down from his coaching position, he might still be alive today.
Thorpe, a highly regarded batsman of his era and a former assistant coach for England until 2021, tragically took his own life in August last year after struggling with anxiety and depression. An inquest in July 2025 revealed that Thorpe had descended into depression following his dismissal as a batting coach in 2022 and had made a suicide attempt prior to his death.
Coroner Jonathan Stevens pointed out deficiencies in the care provided to Thorpe by healthcare professionals in the months leading up to his passing, ruling his death as a suicide. Thorpe had been undergoing mental health therapy for 18 months before parting ways with the ECB.
Stevens acknowledged that the organization had supported Thorpe post his departure in February 2022 by financing his treatment, hospital stays, and extending his health insurance. However, Amanda Thorpe, his widow, expressed the belief that more assistance could have been extended to help him feel more connected during that transitional phase.
She mentioned in an interview with talkSPORT that had his cricketing career not been abruptly halted, he might still be alive today. She emphasized the importance of having a support system during such a challenging period.
Amanda Thorpe also criticized the remote support provided as inadequate and insufficient in addressing her husband’s deteriorating condition.
The ECB has been approached for a response.
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