Graham Thorpe’s spouse believes that if he had received more assistance from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after leaving his coaching position, he might have still been alive today. Thorpe, a renowned batsman and former England assistant coach, tragically took his own life in August last year following a prolonged struggle with anxiety and depression.

During an inquest at Surrey Coroner’s Court in Woking in July 2025, it was revealed that Thorpe had plunged into depression after losing his coaching job in 2022 and had attempted suicide on another occasion. The Coroner, Jonathan Stevens, highlighted deficiencies in the care provided to Thorpe by healthcare professionals leading up to his death, ultimately ruling it as suicide. Thorpe had been undergoing therapy for his mental well-being for 18 months prior to his departure from the ECB.

Stevens acknowledged that the ECB had supported Thorpe post his exit in February 2022 by funding treatments, hospital stays, and extending his health insurance. Nonetheless, Amanda, Thorpe’s widow, expressed that more could have been done to help him feel connected during this transitional phase, emphasizing that his abrupt departure from cricket had a profound impact on his mental health.

Amanda shared her sentiments on talkSPORT, stating that had Thorpe received better support during his career transition, he might have still been alive today. She criticized the remote support provided as inadequate and felt that despite seeking help, the assistance was insufficient to address Thorpe’s deteriorating mental state.

The ECB has been reached out to for a response on the matter. Remember, if you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans offer support 24/7. You can reach them for free at 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org. Your well-being matters.