The late Graham Thorpe’s spouse believes that better support from the England and Wales Cricket Board could have potentially saved his life following his departure from a coaching role with the organization.
Thorpe, a highly esteemed batsman and former England assistant coach, tragically took his own life in August last year after battling anxiety and depression. Testifying at an inquest in July 2025, it was revealed that Thorpe had struggled with depression since losing his coaching job in 2022 and had previously attempted suicide.
The Coroner, Jonathan Stevens, highlighted deficiencies in the care provided to Thorpe by healthcare professionals leading up to his death and ruled it as suicide. Thorpe had been undergoing mental health therapy for 18 months prior to ending his tenure with the ECB.
Stevens acknowledged that the ECB had supported Thorpe post-departure by funding treatments, hospital stays, and extending his health insurance coverage. However, Amanda Thorpe, his widow, expressed her belief that more could have been done during his transition period to alleviate his sense of disconnection.
In an interview with talkSPORT, she lamented that had Thorpe not experienced such a sudden loss of his cricketing career support system, he might still be alive today. She emphasized the importance of a stronger support network during his transition phase.
Amanda Thorpe criticized the remote support provided as inadequate, stating that his condition worsened despite seeking help, which she believed was insufficient.
Efforts to obtain a response from the ECB have been made.
If you need to talk, The Samaritans are available 24/7. Contact them for free at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit their website to locate the nearest branch. Your well-being matters.
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