Graham Thorpe: Inquest Reveals Mental Health Struggles Behind Former England Cricketer’s Tragic Death
The cricketing world has been left in mourning following the inquest into the death of Graham Thorpe, the former England and Surrey batsman and coach. Details emerging from the inquest this week have shed light on the profound mental health challenges Thorpe faced in the years leading up to his death in August 2024.
Inquest Discloses Circumstances of Graham Thorpe’s Death in Surrey
On 4 August 2024, Graham Thorpe died after being struck by a train at a railway station in Surrey. The inquest at Surrey Coroner’s Court, held in July 2025, concluded that Thorpe, aged 55, had taken his own life. His widow, Amanda Thorpe, testified that he had asked her for help to end his life in the weeks before his death, highlighting the depth of his despair. The coroner, Jonathan Stevens, recorded a verdict of suicide and noted “failings” in the provision of care for Thorpe in the months before his death, with the last in-person contact with healthcare professionals occurring in March 2024.
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Mental Health Decline After Coaching Setback and Public Scrutiny
Testimonies at the inquest revealed that Thorpe’s mental health began to deteriorate significantly after he lost his job as England’s batting coach in 2022. Amanda Thorpe described this event as “the start of the decline of his mental health”. She also recounted that he had been diagnosed with anxiety and depression in 2018, and had previously attempted to take his own life in 2022. The COVID-19 lockdowns further exacerbated his struggles, as did a highly publicised incident in Australia, where a leaked video of a post-Ashes drinking session left him “distraught” and feeling that the matter had been “blown out of all proportion”.
Up until 2020, aside from a bout of depression in 2018, there were reportedly no significant psychological issues, but the cumulative pressures of professional setbacks and public scrutiny took a heavy toll.
Graham Thorpe’s Legacy: A Distinguished Cricket Career
Despite his personal struggles, Graham Thorpe remains one of England’s most respected cricketers. He played 100 Test matches for England, scoring 16 Test centuries, including a memorable debut hundred against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993. Thorpe represented his country 182 times across all formats, earning a reputation for resilience and technical excellence at the crease.
Following his playing career, Thorpe served as a coach for both Surrey and England, helping to nurture the next generation of cricketing talent.
Calls for Improved Support for Sports Professionals Facing Mental Health Challenges
The inquest’s findings have prompted renewed calls for better mental health support for professional athletes, particularly those transitioning out of high-profile roles. The coroner’s remarks on the “failings” in Thorpe’s care have highlighted the urgent need for more robust systems to support individuals facing similar challenges.
Sources :
[1] https://news.sky.com/story/cricketer-graham-thorpe-asked-wife-to-help-end-his-life-before-death-inquest-hears-13400970
[2] https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12173/13401739/graham-thorpe-failings-in-provision-of-former-england-cricketers-care-before-his-death-says-coroner
Information : This article was made by compiling with AI several sources available on the Internet, which the aim is to get both contrasted and comprehensive information.
