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Graham Thorpe’s Tragic Passing

Legendary England batsman Graham Thorpe ended his life in August 2024 at age 55. He leaves behind his second wife, Amanda, married in 2007, and four children: Henry, Amelia, Kitty, and Emma. Thorpe had separated from his first wife, Nicola, in 2001.

His death occurred two and a half years after England sacked him as assistant coach. Coroner Jonathan Stevens noted at the inquest that the dismissal “had a devastating effect” on Thorpe, as he “had lost his cricket family.” The sacking followed a 4-0 Ashes series loss in Australia amid COVID disruptions.

Henry’s Dark Period and Path to Recovery

Henry Thorpe remained unaware of the full circumstances surrounding his father’s death for about six months. He spiraled into a “really dark place,” eventually leaving his job at M&C Saatchi Merlin, founded by Richard Thompson, current ECB chairman.

Henry credits Thompson’s support and aftercare for inspiring his shift toward cricket coaching roles and ventures. He contributes to Thorpey’s Bat and Chat, a wellbeing initiative at the Oval featuring cricket sessions followed by mental health discussions.

Gareth Southgate’s Crucial Support

Former England manager Gareth Southgate emerged as a key figure in Henry’s healing. Henry messaged him on LinkedIn, receiving a 500-word email with advice, his phone number, and valuable contacts.

“Gareth was at my dad’s day at the Oval last summer,” Henry shared. “I wasn’t having a great day, to be honest, it was a really tough day. I really wanted to talk to him but it just wasn’t right. I was on edge.”

Henry views Southgate as “a genuine hero” for his leadership and cultural transformation insights.

Rebuilding a Fractured Father-Son Bond

Henry describes his relationship with his father as “fractured” due to the parental divorce and Thorpe’s relocation to Australia with Amanda, hindering consistency.

They reconnected during Henry’s 2019 gap year, entering a positive phase before the 2021-22 Ashes. “We had a conversation,” Henry recalled. “I said: ‘I’m a young man now and I need to understand different perspectives.’ I also need to be better at information gathering. And take more accountability for my own life, my own relationships. So that’s what kicked it all off positively.”

For a year beforehand, they walked the dog in Esher Woods, discussing batting. “It was brilliant,” Henry said, until the Australia tour.

“No one ever prepares you for death, no one ever prepares you for your dad to die. No one ever prepares you for a suicide death. No one ever prepares you for your dad to be Graham Thorpe and to die like that,” he reflected. “You could sit and talk about it for hours. At different phases of your life you wish you had done it all differently. All these feelings that it can create within you; anger, resentment and sadness. Also just genuine pride that my dad was who he was.”

Health Struggles and ECB Response

Thorpe underwent health treatment for 18 months before the Ashes and received 10 online counseling sessions from the ECB post-sacking. In May 2022, three months after dismissal, he attempted suicide, suffering brain injuries that required two weeks in intensive care.

Amanda Thorpe criticized the ECB’s support, stating on talkSPORT: “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.”

She noted a potential ECB role offer came too late in 2022. “It was too late, basically. After the crisis he was very ill. He nearly lost his life. He had a stroke. We don’t know how that affected his brain after that.” Amanda questioned ECB awareness despite medical knowledge, citing confidentiality issues.

An ECB spokesperson called Thorpe “a deeply admired and much-loved person.” They added: “His loss has been felt deeply across the cricketing community and far beyond, and our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with his wife Amanda, his children, and all those who loved him. Graham’s passing is a heart-breaking reminder of the challenges many face with mental health. His death was examined by a coroner; the inquest was held earlier this year with full support from the ECB. We have met with Amanda to discuss her concerns and have been in regular contact with her and the wider family.”

If these issues affect you, help is available at https://www.samaritans.org/ or by calling 116 123 anytime for free.