Graham Thorpe’s widow is of the opinion that had he received more support from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after departing from his coaching position with the organization, he might still be alive today.
Thorpe, a highly respected batsman of his era and former England assistant coach until 2021, tragically took his own life in August last year after battling anxiety and depression. The inquest at Surrey Coroner’s Court revealed that Thorpe had sunk 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 health professionals leading up to his death, ruling it as suicide. Thorpe had been undergoing mental health therapy for 18 months before parting ways with the ECB.
Stevens acknowledged that the ECB had supported Thorpe post his departure in February 2022 by funding treatments, hospital stays, and extending his health insurance. Nevertheless, Amanda Thorpe, his widow, expressed the belief that more assistance could have been offered to help him adjust during that transitional phase.
She mentioned in an interview with talkSPORT that had his cricketing career not been abruptly terminated, he might have survived. She emphasized the importance of having a support system during such critical life changes.
Amanda Thorpe criticized the remote support provided as inadequate, stating that despite requesting more help, it was not forthcoming. The ECB has been approached for comments on the matter.