England Pays Tribute to Late Graham Thorpe Amid Mental Health Care Failings

England and the cricket community have paid heartfelt tributes to Graham Thorpe, the former England batsman who died by suicide in August 2024 after struggling with depression following his dismissal as a batting coach. Commemorations included wearing headbands with his silhouette during a Test match at The Oval, a minute's silence at his hometown club Farnham Cricket Club, and emotional reflections from teammates like Nasser Hussain and Ben Stokes, highlighting Thorpe's influence both on and off the field. Thorpe's family expressed gratitude for the public support while emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about mental illness, which deeply affected Thorpe in his last years. The inquest into his death revealed failings in the mental health care he received, underscoring concerns about support for athletes facing mental health challenges. Tributes also recalled Thorpe's toughness, humility, and the deep respect he earned from peers, with many sharing personal stories of his character beyond cricket. His loss has prompted broader conversations about mental health in sports and the need for better care and understanding.