Graham Thorpe’s spouse is of the opinion that he could have been alive today if he had received more assistance from the England and Wales Cricket Board following his exit from a coaching position with the organization.
Thorpe, a highly esteemed batsman of his era and England’s former assistant coach until 2021, tragically took his own life in August last year after battling anxiety and depression for an extended period. Details emerged during an inquest in July 2025 at Surrey Coroner’s Court in Woking, revealing Thorpe’s descent into depression post his dismissal as a batting coach in 2022, including a previous suicide attempt.
The Coroner, Jonathan Stevens, highlighted deficiencies in the care provided to Thorpe by healthcare professionals leading up to his passing, ultimately ruling it as suicide. Thorpe had been undergoing mental health therapy for 18 months prior to his departure from the ECB.
Stevens acknowledged that the organization had supported Thorpe with funding for treatments, hospital stays, and extended health insurance post his departure in February 2022. Despite this, Thorpe’s widow, Amanda, expressed her belief that more support should have been extended to help him feel more connected during the transitional phase.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Amanda Thorpe emphasized the impact of the sudden end to his cricketing career on his mental state, stating that additional support during the transition could have saved his life.
Amanda Thorpe also criticized the remote support provided, describing it as inadequate and insufficient to meet his escalating needs.
She emphasized, “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 their response on the matter.
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