A former England cricket coach, Graham Thorpe, tragically took his own life last August after battling anxiety and depression. His widow believes that more support from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) could have saved him. An inquest revealed that Thorpe spiraled into depression after losing his coaching job in 2022 and had attempted suicide before. The coroner found shortcomings in the care provided to Thorpe by health professionals leading up to his death, ultimately ruling it as a suicide.
Despite the ECB funding treatment and extending health insurance for Thorpe after he left in February 2022, his widow, Amanda, feels that additional support during his transition could have prevented his death. She expressed that if his cricketing career hadn’t abruptly ended, he might still be alive today. Amanda criticized the remote support offered as insufficient and felt that Thorpe needed more help, which was not adequately provided.
The ECB has been approached for comment on the matter. If you or someone you know is struggling, the Samaritans offer 24/7 support. You can reach them for free at 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org. Remember, you are not alone.