Graham Thorpe’s spouse believes that if the England and Wales Cricket Board had provided more assistance after his departure from his coaching position, he might still be alive today. Thorpe, a highly esteemed batsman and England’s assistant coach until 2021, tragically took his own life in August last year after struggling with anxiety and depression.
An inquest held in July 2025 at Surrey Coroner’s Court revealed that Thorpe had descended into depression following his dismissal as a batting coach in 2022 and had previously attempted suicide. Coroner Jonathan Stevens highlighted deficiencies in the care provided to Thorpe by healthcare professionals leading up to his death, ultimately ruling it a suicide. Thorpe had been undergoing therapy for mental health issues for 18 months before parting ways with the ECB.
Stevens acknowledged that the organization had supported Thorpe post-departure by funding treatments, hospital stays, and extending his health insurance coverage. However, Amanda, his widow, expressed her belief that more support could have made a significant difference during his transitional phase.
Amanda Thorpe shared on talkSPORT that had Thorpe not felt completely uprooted from his cricketing career, he might still be alive today. She emphasized the lack of a supportive framework during the transition and criticized the remote support as inadequate.
She noted, “As he went through these sessions, it was clear that he wasn’t coping. He was getting worse. We really did ask for help. I knew he needed more help than that and it wasn’t forthcoming.”
The ECB has been approached for a response regarding this matter. Remember, The Samaritans are available 24/7 for those in need of someone to talk to. You can reach out to them by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org, or visiting their website to locate your nearest branch. Your well-being matters.
