The family of Australian cricketer Shane Warne has been offered a state funeral after his sudden death.
Warne died of a suspected heart attack on Friday while on holiday in Koh Samui, Thailand. He was 52.
Friends staying with him at a holiday villa tried in vain to revive him.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the nation was “in shock”.
“He was one of those cricketers who changed the game globally, not just here in Australia,” said Morrison.
“And at such a young age, younger than me. That is a terrible shock to all those who knew and loved him.”
Yesterday morning, Warne’s brother Jason and nephew Sebastian were seen visiting his parents’ Melbourne home before his mother Brigitte spoke briefly to journalists.
“We’re just in shock…we’re OK,” she said.
The state funeral is set to be held in Melbourne, with a date to be confirmed in consultation with the Warne family, Cricket Australia and the Victorian Government “to ensure it honours Shane’s passing and memory”.
“Shane Warne didn’t just inspire a cricket generation – he defined it,” said Daniel Andrews, the premier of the Australian state of Victoria, in a statement. “To us, he was the greatest – but to his family, he was so much more. Our hearts are breaking for Shane’s family and friends – and they are in the thoughts of all Victorians.”
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe