Australian cricket legend Shane Warne wished ‘good night’ to his Instagram followers from the Thai villa where he was staying shortly before his tragic death there from a heart attack at the age of 52.
The father of three, the greatest leg spinners of all time, landed in Thailand yesterday and was seen looking happy while chatting with fans at the airport on what looked like a boys’ break.
He is believed to have died at the luxury Samujana Villas resort in Koh Samui, an island in the Gulf of Thailand. Some 24 hours ago, on his first night, he shared an image of its infinity pool.
He tweeted for the last time around 11 hours later following Rod Marsh’s death, his own cricketing hero from the great Australian team of the 1970s.
Warne’s death – which has rocked the world of cricket – was confirmed by his management company, who said the sporting legend and father of three ‘could not be revived’ despite the best efforts of paramedics.
Shane Warne, the greatest leg spinner in history, was found unconscious in a villa in the resort of Koh Samui today
The father-of-three could not be revived, his manager said. The villa was on Koh Samui, an island in the Gulf of Thailand
Some 24 hours ago, on his first night, he shared an image of its infinity pool. He tweeted for the last time around 11 hours later following Rod Marsh’s death, his own cricketing hero from the great Australian team of the 1970s
‘It is with great sadness we advise that Shane Keith Warne passed away of a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand today, Friday March 4,’ a statement from the management company read.
The statement added: ‘Shane was found unresponsive in his Villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived. The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.’
Warne became a global star in 1993 by bowling out Mike Gatting with the so-called ‘Ball of the Century’ – his first ball in Ashes cricket.
He went on to get 708 test wickets, tormenting teams all over the world, especially Australia’s great rival England.
Warne’s death left the world of sport in shock and Australians mourning two of their greatest sporting icons
During his career he gained a reputation as the blonde-haired, blue-eyed hero of the sport, buccaneering bowler on the pitch and a playboy off it, famed for his love of beer and cigarettes.
For ten years he was married to his childhood sweetheart Simone, having three children together: Jackson, Summer and Brooke.
The couple split in 2010 after he was spotted kissing Liz Hurley and he enjoyed a hot and heavy romance with the model and actress, later getting engaged before calling it quits three years later.
Their relationship also coincided with him losing weight and rumours he had ‘dabbled’ with cosmetic surgery including botox.
Just last year he was exchanging flirtatious comments on Instagram with Ms Hurley, almost eight years after their split, but he later denied they were back together.
Most recently he was dating model Emily Sears, an Instagram star, but he appears to have been single in recent years but admitted he was active on dating apps.
His friend, Triple M Sydney radio host Lawrence Mooney, said last year: ‘His life is Tinder, beers, darts, gambling and cricket. Those five things, that’s it.’
Warne was known for putting on weight during his career, but became much more image conscious including becoming the face of a hair transplant company. Just a week ago he said he was on a health kick, tweeting: ‘Operation shred has started (10 days in) & the goal by July is to get back to this shape’, sharing an image from a few years ago.
But despite looking more lithe, people who knew him admit he still loved drinking and smoking, and never ate vegetables.
Today’s news was met with shock by former team-mates and rivals alike.
‘It is with great sadness we advise that Shane Keith Warne passed away of a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand today, Friday March 4,’ a statement from the management company read
The statement added: ‘Shane was found unresponsive in his Villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived. The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.’ Pictured is a photo of the complex where Warne was staying
The former England all-rounder Kevin Pietersen, who was a close friend of Warne’s, tweeted ‘F***’ when the news broke followed by a string of crying emojis and the hashtag #RIPKing.’
The current England all-rounder Ben Stokes posted: ‘Australian Legend. @rajasthanroyals Legend. Was an honour to know you and work with you. This man is a LEGEND. #theking’
English cricket legend Ian Botham wrote: ‘I’ve lost a great friend on and off the playing field. “One of the best” my thoughts are with Jackson Summer & Brooke….RIP Warnster.’
Former England captain Michael Vaughan posted a broken heart emoji with the caption: ‘Love ya king.’
The England team held a minute’s silence for Warne ahead of the fourth day of their tour match in the West Indies.
Ex-England batsman Ian Bell wrote: ‘Surely not??? Utterly heartbreaking.’
‘There are no words. A hero growing up and the greatest player I ever played against. I can’t believe it. My thoughts are with his loved ones.’
Koh Samui, where Warne was staying, is the second largest Thai island and is known for its palm-fringed beaches and rainforest
The father of three, the greatest leg spinners of all time, landed in Thailand yesterday and was seen looking happy while chatting with fans at the airport on what looked like a boys’ break
The Pakistani former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar tweeted: ‘Just heard the devastating news about legendary Shane Warne passing away. No words to describe how shocked & sad i am.
‘What a legend. What a man. What a cricketer.’
Rohit Sharma posted on Twitter: ‘I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne….still can’t believe it.’
Indian cricket hero Virender Sehwag tweeted: ‘Cannot believe it. One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more.
‘Life is very fragile, but this is very difficult to fathom. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world.’
Pakistani cricketer Shadab Khan said: Heartbroken about @ShaneWarne’s news. Rest in peace legend. I used to keep watching him take wickets on TV. So when I started proper cricket, I decided to become a legspinner. Have no words to express my sorrow. Prayers for the departed and family.’
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