Graham Thorpe was a name that echoed through English cricket grounds for over a decade—a gifted batsman, a thoughtful coach, and a true servant of the game.
But behind the scenes, the man who once played 100 Tests for England was battling something far more brutal than fast bowling: a mental health crisis that ultimately ended in tragedy.
Missed Appointments, Missed Signs, Missed Chances
An inquest into Thorpe’s death has revealed that medical teams consistently failed to follow up with him, even after recognising he was at high risk of suicide.
In the final four-and-a-half months of his life, Thorpe wasn’t seen once by the psychiatrist in charge of his care and only twice by any member of his local mental health team.
Despite missing six appointments in two months, professionals didn’t escalate their response.
They attributed his absence not to avoidance or defiance, but to his deepening depression, particularly after his very public sacking by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Depression Mislabelled and Downplayed
Even though Thorpe made repeated references to suicidal thoughts, his condition remained labelled as “moderate” up until his death.
That’s the middle tier in the scale of severity—something his family and legal team say clearly didn’t reflect the reality.
Thorpe reportedly described feeling “shame and humiliation” over the collapse of his career.
At one point, he even attempted suicide, a sign noted in his medical file as a serious red flag.
His new care coordinator assessed him in May 2024 as someone who “at times presents as high risk of suicide,” but still, no in-person visits were made.
“Crying Out for Help” That Never Came
According to the Thorpe family’s lawyer, Mark McGhee, what Graham really needed was a face-to-face assessment—someone physically present, who could read the signs up close.
But Dr Amirthalingham Baheerathan, the psychiatrist responsible for Thorpe’s care, told the inquest he didn’t believe a home visit was necessary.
That decision proved critical. Previous coordinator Jessica Harris had worked hard to build trust with Thorpe.
She adjusted to his condition—making home visits and ensuring he was never alone when he spoke of suicidal thoughts.
During her tenure, he rarely missed sessions.
But once Harris left the role in February 2024, Thorpe’s engagement plummeted.
“He Can’t Get Out of Bed” — Despair at Home
By June 28, care coordinator Katie Johnson had spoken with Thorpe’s wife, Amanda, and her notes were heartbreaking.
Amanda told her that Graham couldn’t get out of bed, constantly begged for help to end his life, and had even said he wanted to go to Switzerland—to the Dignitas euthanasia clinic.
Johnson interpreted that as a clear cry for help.
But Dr Baheerathan dismissed it as “just a thought,” not a plan.
Still, no one visited. The next scheduled appointment? August 9. Thorpe didn’t make it.
He took his own life on August 4—just five days earlier—by stepping in front of a train. He was 55 years old.
“I Just Wish He Could Have Been Kept Safe”
Amanda Thorpe, his wife of 17 years, gave a powerful statement to the inquest.
She said Graham had told her he no longer wanted to live, and that he believed it would be better for his family—including his children from previous and current relationships—if he were gone.
She recalled the bitter irony of getting a letter for a mental health appointment weeks away, right when he was begging her for help.
“How ill do you have to be?” she asked the inquest.
“I just wish he could have been kept safe.”
A Career That Ended in Pain and Isolation
Thorpe had been England’s batting coach during the 2021–22 Ashes series, which England lost 4–0.
After a video surfaced showing players from both teams out drinking following one of the losses, Thorpe admitted to filming the video but didn’t release it himself.
Still, he was fired by the ECB—something he never recovered from.
Although the ECB said he wasn’t the only one let go, Thorpe blamed himself and sank into deep despair.
His father, Geoff Thorpe, told the inquest that everything had been fine until Covid lockdowns hit.
Graham struggled with isolation, and losing his job sent him into a full emotional collapse.
“He’s not a fella who likes to be cooped up,” his dad said. “His life came crashing down.”
Family Powerless to Help
As Graham’s condition worsened, he became more isolated.
He stopped eating, lost weight, and withdrew from support systems.
Amanda said he would sometimes change his medications on his own or drink too much.
“He told me he was scared,” she said.
“And I told him I was scared too because I didn’t know how to help him.”
On the morning of August 4, Amanda thought Graham had gone out to walk the dog.
But the dog was still at home. She tried to track him using his phone, but couldn’t.
Then she got the call from Graham’s father: “He’s gone.”
Honouring Thorpe and Raising Awareness
Graham Thorpe will be remembered and honoured during the final Test match between England and India at The Oval on August 1.
The tribute is also meant to raise awareness about mental health struggles—especially among men, athletes, and public figures who often suffer in silence.
If You’re Struggling, You’re Not Alone
Graham Thorpe’s story is devastating, not only because he was loved by so many, but because his death might have been preventable.
His family, friends, and the cricketing world are now left with the question: What more could have been done?
For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. You’re never alone.
