Graham Thorpe's Battle with Mental Health Following ECB Job Loss

Graham Thorpe, a former England cricketer and batting coach, tragically took his own life on August 4, 2024, after a prolonged struggle with mental health issues exacerbated by the loss of his coaching position with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in early 2022. This somber revelation was discussed at an inquest held at Woking Coroner's Court, where testimonies highlighted the severe impact of his mental health challenges on his life and career.

According to his widow, Amanda Thorpe, Graham was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in 2018 and had previously attempted to take his own life in 2022. Amanda noted that prior to 2020, Graham had not exhibited significant psychological issues, aside from a brief episode of depression. However, a distressing incident involving a leaked video during a tour in Australia in 2022 marked a significant turning point in his mental health. The video depicted Tasmanian police intervening at a drinking session involving both England and Australian players, which left him "distraught" and ultimately contributed to the deterioration of his mental state.

The inquest revealed that the termination of his contract with the ECB in February 2022 was a particularly shocking blow that led to a marked decline in his mental well-being. Amanda Thorpe described this period as a critical moment that sent Graham into a downward spiral. "It was a real shock," she stated, emphasizing the negative consequences that followed his job loss.

Graham Thorpe was a notable figure in cricket, having played 100 Test matches and 82 One-Day Internationals for England between 1993 and 2005, and spent his entire first-class career at Surrey. His father, Geoff Thorpe, expressed deep concern about the lack of support following the video incident, stating that it caused "catastrophic damage" to Graham's psyche and well-being.

Professor Nick Pierce, the ECB's chief medical officer, addressed the inquest, mentioning that Graham's private health insurance was extended until May 2022 after his employment ended. He stated that during Graham's tenure with the ECB, there were no indications of self-harm or suicidal intent, contradicting family assertions about the organization's responsibility for Graham's care. The coroner noted that Geoff Thorpe felt that more could have been done by those responsible for Graham’s mental health care.

The inquest further revealed that by 2023, Graham was experiencing persistent suicidal thoughts and was in a "terrible way" following the Christmas period. Notably, his last contact with mental health professionals occurred in June 2023, raising questions about the adequacy of the support provided to him after his employment ended.

This tragic case highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the need for continued support for athletes transitioning from their professional careers. The ECB, while maintaining that Graham did not exhibit signs of self-harm during his time with them, will likely face scrutiny regarding their mental health policies and support mechanisms for players post-retirement.

As the inquest continues, the Thorpe family is left grappling with their loss, sparking a conversation about mental health in sports and the responsibilities of governing bodies to ensure the well-being of their athletes both during and after their careers. Amanda Thorpe has emphasized the need for more comprehensive mental health resources for athletes, advocating for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This case serves not only as a reminder of the fragility of mental health but also as a call to action for sporting organizations to reevaluate their mental health support systems for former athletes.