Shane Warne's mum 'in shock' as world reacts to tragic death
Shane Warne's mother has spoken out briefly about the cricket great's sudden and unexpected death as the tragic news continues to reverberate around the world.
Australians woke up on Saturday to the unthinkable headline that the country's greatest ever bowler had died of a suspected heart attack at the age of just 52.
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Warne's body was found by a friend at a Thai hotel where he was holidaying on Friday, with his management confirming he was found unresponsive and unable to be revived.
Reuters news agency is reporting one of Warne's friends found the 52-year-old unresponsive in the Ko Samui villa after he failed to appear for dinner.
They performed CPR on him before paramedics arrived.
Warne was taken to the Thai International Hospital via ambulance but could not be revived after about 20 minutes of CPR.
Speaking briefly about her son's devastating passing on Saturday, Warne's mother Bridgette told The Herald Sun the family was still trying to process the tragedy.
"We're just in shock," she said outside the family home, before adding "we're OK".
Warne's father, Keith, declined to comment on the tragedy but said he would speak publicly at a later time.
Warne - whose 708 Test wickets are the greatest number by any Australian bowler by some stretch - is set to have a stand named after him at his beloved MCG.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the news on Saturday, while offering his condolences to Warne's family and friends.
Mr Andrews says the Victorian government has offered Warne's family a state funeral service, which has the full support of the federal government.
Iβve just informed the Warne family that the Government will rename the Great Southern Stand at the MCG - the place he took his hat trick and 700th wicket - to honor Shane and his contribution to the game.
The S.K. Warne Stand will be a permanent tribute to an amazing Victorian.β Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) March 5, 2022
"To us, he was the greatest β but to his family, he was so much more," Mr Andrews said.
"Our hearts are breaking for Shane's family and friends β and they are in the thoughts of all Victorians.
Plans are now in place for the 52-year-old's body to be transported home, with Australian officials working closely with their Thai counterparts.
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials have spoken to those travelling with Warne, and will arrive in Koh Samui on Saturday.
"DFAT is working with Thai authorities to confirm arrangements following his passing, assist with his repatriation and provide other assistance on the ground," she said.
World left shattered by Shane Warne tragedy
Prime Minister Scott Morrison also offered his condolences to the Warne family in a written statement.
"Shane was his own man, following his own path," Mr Morrison said.
"In those times when he could have been knocked down by the headlines, he got back up. He always did.
"We have lost one of Australia's greatest cricketers and today we are bewildered by this sad and sudden loss."
Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said Warne was one of the greatest cricketers the game has known.
"It was a joy to watch him play," Mr Albanese tweeted. "My thoughts go to the ones who loved him the most. We will miss you Warnie."
The Australian men's and women's cricket teams are wearing black armbands and observing a moment's silence in honour of Warne, during Saturday's matches in Pakistan and New Zealand respectively.
Tributes to Warne have been pouring in across social media from politicians, actors such as Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman, musicians Kylie Minogue and Mick Jagger, football icons Mark Bosnich and Gary Neville, as well as cricket stars past and present - highlighting how his impact extended far beyond cricket.
Australians have woken in shock and sadness to the awful news of the death of Shane Warne, aged just 52.
Shane was one of our greatest cricketers of all time, one of only a few that could approach the extraordinary achievements of the great Don Bradman. pic.twitter.com/SFxLxe0SQoβ Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 4, 2022
Just woke to the shocking news about Shane Warneβ¦may he RIP..devastating news..xmb
β Mark Bosnich (@TheRealBozza) March 4, 2022
Shane Warne was a champion. One of a kind. Every time he touched a ball, Australia had a chance. But I remember him as the guy who met a my son Jackie once when Jackie was very young. Three years later he still remembered his name and made him feel special.
RIP Warnie pic.twitter.com/mrW8jtiArhβ Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) March 4, 2022
π And speechless at the moment. I literally donβt know how to sum up this situation. My friend is gone!!
We have lost one of the Greatest Sportsmen of all time!!
My condolences goes out to his family.
RIP Warnie!! You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/sQOrL9dIyMβ Brian Lara (@BrianLara) March 4, 2022
Iβm so saddened by the sudden death of Shane Warne. He brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin bowler ever. pic.twitter.com/ZW76EbS6GB
β Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 4, 2022
Hard to fathom. We all idolised Warnie growing up for his showmanship, will to win from any position and his incredible skill. Players all over the world owe him so much for what he has brought to cricket. He had a huge affect on all he met. He transcended cricket.
RIP King pic.twitter.com/614NRwq4wmβ Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) March 4, 2022
This just unfathomable to lose another great of our cricket family. Warnie was the ultimate entertainer on and off the field, never a dull moment who lived life to the fullest.Deepest condolences to his loved ones.
RIP mate.β Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) March 4, 2022
Numb. The highlight of my cricketing career was to keep wicket to Warnie. Best seat in the house to watch the maestro at work. Have often felt a tad selfish, that Heals and I pretty much exclusively are the only ones who had that thrill and pleasure at Test level. Rip Warnie.ππ’
β Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) March 4, 2022
Like you all I am in shock to wake to the news that @ShaneWarne had passed away. Iβm 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. Rest well Shane. pic.twitter.com/2nL5h0VGZR
β Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) March 4, 2022
Vale Warney π₯Ί Condolences to his family, friends and fans. The one and only King of Spin, #ShaneWarne
β Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) March 4, 2022
S.K. Warne.
Woke this morning to the devastating news. Having a hard time accepting it.
Genius player.
Grand company.
Loyal friend.β Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) March 4, 2022
Oh no ! News that shakes you and stops you right in your track. RIP Shane Warne β€οΈβ€οΈ
β Gary Neville (@GNev2) March 4, 2022
RIP Warneyβ¦ I have so many great memories as a kid watching Shane Warne bowl for Australia. Incredibly sad news ππ»π
β Joe Ingles (@Joeingles7) March 4, 2022
Totally shocked and saddened to hear about Shane Warne - a cricketing genius and one of the nicest guys you could meet, who also did a lot to help disadvantaged kids into sport. pic.twitter.com/EO3K6Ipwh6
β Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 4, 2022
with AAP
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