Photo: Jack Thomas/Getty Images
Shane Warne, the Australian cricketer who played professionally for 15 years, hasdiedat the age of 52, his company 708 Gin confirmed in astatementon Instagram.
The cricket legend, who was affectionally known as “Warnie,” was found dead in a villa in Koh Samui, Thailand, on Friday.
“It is with great sadness we advise that Shane Keith Warne passed away of a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand today, Friday 4th March,” the statement read. “Shane was found unresponsive in his Villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived.”
The statement continued, “The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course. Thank you for your overwhelming love and support.#ShaneWarne”
Warne counted many famous faces among his friends and fans.Mick Jagger,Hugh JackmanandSarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, were just a few of the celebrities who paid tribute to the cricketer after news of his death broke.
Warne “brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin bowler ever,” Jaggertweeted.
Jackman wrote onInstagramthat he was “in shock to wake to the news that@shanewarne23has passed away. I’m grateful to have known him, and to have witnessed his once in a generation talent. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and close friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Ferguson called Warne one of the “legends of cricket and sport, who have been taken from us too soon” in a dual tribute onInstagramshe wrote for him and fellow cricketer Rod Marsh, who also passed away from a heart attack at 74 on Friday.
Cricket stars from across the world have also paid tribute to Warne on social media since the news of his death.
Australian cricketer David Warner sent his condolences to the families of both Warne and Marsh.
“Two legends of our game have left us too soon,” Warner shared. “I’m lost for words, and this is extremely sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Marsh and Warne family. I just can not believe it. rip, you will both be missed.”
India’s captain Rohit Sharmatweetedthat he was at “lost for words” over Warne’s passing.
“This is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us, RIP Shane Warne….still can’t believe it,” he wrote.
Warne also made headlines forhis relationshipwithElizabeth Hurleyin 2011. He proposed, but the couple split before getting married in 2013.
Hours before his death, Warne posted on social media to honor Marsh after his passing.
Warne was known as one of the greatest bowlers in the sports history with 708 Test wickets — the most ever for an Australian.
He had been credited with bringing back spin bowling and will be remembered for delivering the"the ball of century"in a 1993 Ashes series against England.
Robert Prezioso/Getty Images
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Warne was named the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World three times and made the list of Wisden’s five cricketers of the 20th century.
He went on the play Twenty20 cricket, a shortened form of the game, until 2013 before retiring. Since ending his athletic career, he has move into sports broadcasting.
source: people.com
