Graham Thorpe’s spouse believes that he could have been saved if he had received more assistance from the England and Wales Cricket Board following his departure from his coaching position with the organization. Thorpe, a highly regarded batsman and former assistant coach for England until 2021, tragically took his own life in August last year after battling anxiety and depression.
During an inquest at Surrey Coroner’s Court in Woking in July 2025, it was revealed that Thorpe had descended into depression after losing his coaching job in 2022, and had previously attempted suicide. The coroner, Jonathan Stevens, highlighted shortcomings in the care provided to Thorpe by healthcare professionals in the months leading up to his death, ultimately ruling it as suicide. Thorpe had been undergoing mental health therapy for 18 months before leaving the ECB.
Stevens acknowledged that the organization had supported Thorpe post-departure by funding treatments, hospital stays, and extending his health insurance coverage. However, Amanda Thorpe, his widow, expressed her belief that more could have been done to ensure he felt supported during the transitional phase.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Amanda Thorpe remarked that had her husband not experienced such a drastic upheaval in his cricketing career, he might still be alive today. She emphasized the importance of having a support system in place during such a challenging period of change.
Amanda Thorpe also criticized the remote support provided, describing it as inadequate and insufficient for her husband’s needs. She stressed that despite seeking help, the assistance they received was not enough to address his escalating struggles.
The ECB has been approached for a response on this matter.