Graham Thorpe: Former England cricketer died after being struck by train, inquest hears

His wife Amanda and daughter Kitty had earlier told The Times the 55-year-old took his own life on 4 August after "suffering from major depression and anxiety".

Coroner Simon Wickens said Thorpe died from "traumatic injuries" after he was struck by the train at around 8.30am.

Speaking at Surrey Coroner's Court in Woking, Mr Wickens named the medical cause of his death as "multiple injuries".

In her interview with The Times, Mrs Thorpe revealed her husband previously made a "serious attempt" on his life in May 2022 which had resulted in a "prolonged stay in an intensive care unit."

She said Thorpe was "renowned as someone who was very mentally strong on the field", but added "mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone".

Mrs Thorpe said: "Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better.

"He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him and we are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life."

Thorpe was regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation and played 100 Test matches for England.

The counterattacking left-hander scored 16 Test match centuries and featured 82 times for the one-day international side, as well as enjoying a 17-year career with Surrey.

He captained England on three occasions and served in various coaching roles for his country between 2010 and 2022.

During the opening of the inquest into his death today, the coroner offered his "sincere condolences" not just to Thorpe's family, but to "all those touched by his life and career".

Mr Wickens had previously released Thorpe's body to his family after a post-mortem was undertaken. He confirmed the body was identified by way of fingerprint comparison from an item at the former cricketer's last known address.

A date for Thorpe's full inquest will be fixed at a later time.

Tributes flooded in for one of the nation's best Test players after the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on 5 August that he had died.

The coroner had received a referral from British Transport Police.

Charities have praised Thorpe's wife and daughter for being open about what happened, with the chief executive of the Samaritans saying it is "really important" to have honest conversations about suicide.

Julie Bentley added: "Talking openly can help to break the stigma surrounding the subject and can encourage people who are struggling to get the vital support they need."

Current Test players Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Ben Duckett hailed Mr Thorpe after the news of his death emerged, while retired England bowler Stuart Broad described him as a "wonderful person".

-SKY NEWS