Inquest Reveals Graham Thorpe’s Mental Health Decline Post-Job Loss

Former England Cricketer Spiralled into Depression, Court Hears

An inquest into the death of former England and Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe has revealed a significant decline in his mental health following his dismissal as a batting coach in 2022.

Job Loss Triggered Depression, Widow States

The 55-year-old batsman, who represented England in 100 Tests, passed away on August 4, 2024, after being struck by a train. His widow, Amanda Thorpe, told the Woking Coroner’s Court that her husband took his own life.

An earlier diagnosis of anxiety and depression in 2018 was noted, with an attempted suicide in 2022 preceding his death. Amanda Thorpe stated that until 2020, her husband had no significant psychological issues beyond a brief period of depression that did not impact his work.

Leaked Video Incident Cited as Major Blow

The inquest heard that a leaked video incident in Australia in 2022 left Mr Thorpe “distraught.” Reports at the time indicated the footage showed Tasmanian police intervening in a gathering of England and Australia players. Mrs Thorpe described the period as “horrible.”

“The later termination of his employment with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was a ‘real shock’ which marked the ‘decline’ of his mental health.”

—Amanda Thorpe, Widow

Graham Thorpe‘s father, Geoff Thorpe, conveyed in a statement that the video incident “caused catastrophic damage to him.”

In 2023, Mr Thorpe was experiencing suicidal thoughts and was in a “terrible way” after Christmas, his wife added. The last contact with his psychiatric care providers was in June of the previous year.

ECB Statements Address Care Provisions

Professor Nick Pierce, chief medical officer for the ECB, stated that Mr Thorpe‘s private health insurance was extended until May 2022 after his employment ended in February of that year. He confirmed that there were no concerns regarding self-harm risk or intent to end life during Mr Thorpe‘s tenure with the ECB.

“You felt those who were responsible for Graham’s safety and care could’ve done more to intervene.”

—Geoff Thorpe, Father (as read by Coroner)

The coroner, Jonathan Stevens, also read a statement from Mr Thorpe‘s GP, Dr Joan Munnelly, who confirmed the 2018 diagnosis. The 2022 suicide attempt resulted in a brain injury, requiring intensive care treatment.

The inquest is ongoing.