An inquest into the tragic death of former England cricketer Graham Thorpe has revealed harrowing details of how a leaked video and subsequent job loss profoundly impacted his mental health.
Early Struggles and Worsening Health
Graham Thorpe, who represented England in 100 Tests and later served as assistant coach, was first diagnosed with anxiety and depression in 2018. His mental health significantly deteriorated during the Covid-19 pandemic, exacerbated by the challenging 2021-22 Ashes tour where England lost 4-0 to Australia.
His family noted that Thorpe found the lockdown “very difficult” and the India tour prior to the Ashes had been “tough.” He was already grappling with anxiety and sleep difficulties before the Australia trip.
The Leaked Video Incident
The Surrey Coroner’s court heard that Thorpe was “distraught, horrified, ashamed, terrified” after a private video he filmed was leaked. The video captured a late-night drinking session involving several England and Australian cricketers, which was later intervened by police.
Thorpe had taken the footage, showing police officers at the pub, and shared it with friends. His wife, Amanda, stated he “apologised personally to everyone” but was deeply stressed by the incident, which he felt was “blown out of proportion.”
The Ashes Tour and Its Aftermath
Both Amanda and Thorpe’s father, Geoff, expressed concerns about him going on the ill-fated Ashes tour, questioning the decision given his fragile mental state. Amanda suggested he might have been pressured to go, not fully realizing how unwell he was.
Following the series loss, the ECB terminated Thorpe’s contract. “To be sacked after that, I think it was foreseeable that it would be really hard on him,” Amanda told the court. His father added that the leaked video caused “catastrophic damage” and his life “came crashing down” after losing his job.
He spiraled into depression, experiencing anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, and profound guilt, feeling like a burden to others.
A Desperate Plea for Help
The inquest revealed that Thorpe made a first attempt on his life in April 2022, less than three months after his dismissal. He was left unconscious for three weeks and spent five weeks in intensive care, yet continued to battle suicidal thoughts.
Amanda recounted his desperate state: “He told me he was scared and I told him I was scared too. He asked me to help him end his life.” She highlighted the agonizing wait for professional help, questioning how ill someone needed to be to get prompt support.
ECB’s Stance and Family Reflections
Professor Nick Pearce, the ECB’s chief medical officer, stated that Thorpe had received mental health support from 2019. He mentioned a mental-health assessment before the Australia tour, concluding there was “no indication that Graham was at risk of immediate self harm” during the earlier India tour.
Prof Pearce also noted that job termination is common in elite sport and described Thorpe’s first suicide attempt as a “complete shock.”
In a poignant interview with Wisden Cricketers Almanack, Amanda remembered Thorpe as a “kind and funny” man with a hidden stand-up comic talent. She struggled to reconcile this image with the man who succumbed to depression, emphasizing that he “tried so hard to beat it” but felt immense shame about his condition.
Key Takeaways
- Graham Thorpe’s mental health declined significantly, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2021-22 Ashes tour.
- A leaked video and his subsequent job loss caused “catastrophic damage” to his well-being.
- Despite family support and professional interventions, he continued to struggle with severe depression and suicidal thoughts.
- His family is raising money for mental health charity Mind, urging men to speak out about their struggles.
The inquest continues, as a “Day for Thorpey” is planned at The Oval, coinciding with his 56th birthday, to celebrate his life and raise awareness for mental health.
