Former Australian cricketer, and considered the greatest leg-spinner in the history of the game, Shane Warne has died aged 52 following a suspected heart attack in Thailand on Friday, 4 March.
He was 52 and is survived by his three children with former wife Simone Callahan.
Warne passed away in Koh Samui in Thailand and his management released a statement, saying that his family has asked for privacy.
“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 family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.
Warne – who was the joint-leading wicket-taker as Australia won the 1999 World Cup and finished with 293 one-day dismissals in 194 matches – brought an illustrious 15-year international career to an end in 2007.
Warne was a true sporting icon, a larger-than-life character whose 708 Test wickets have only been surpassed by contemporary rival and fellow spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.
The Indian cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted:
“Shocked, stunned & miserable… Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you. Gone too young!”
Indian cricketer and former captain Virat Kohli tweeted:
“Life is so fickle and unpredictable. I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP #goat. Greatest to turn the cricket ball.”