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'So much more': State's incredible act for Shane Warne's family

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has offered Shane Warne's family a state funeral. Pic: Getty/Instagram
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has offered Shane Warne's family a state funeral. Pic: Getty/Instagram

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has reached out to the family and friends of late cricket great Shane Warne, after revealing that the 52-year-old has ben offered a state funeral.

News of Warne's sudden death has left the sporting world shocked and devastated, with social media inundated with tributes to Australia's greatest ever bowler.

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Warne died of a suspected heart attack while on holidays at a Thailand hotel on Friday, with his management confirming he was found unresponsive and unable to be revived.

Thai police have since told Reuters that Warne's body had been taken for an autopsy and friends who found him would be spoken with, but added there were no signs of foul play.

The legendary leg-spinner nicknamed 'The King of Spin' remains Australia's leading wicket-taker with 708 scalps and sits second on the all-time list behind Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan.

Warne, who was born in the Melbourne suburb of Upper Ferntree Gully, leaves behind daughters Brooke, 24, and Summer, 20, as well as son Jackson, 22 - all of whom he shared with former wife, Simone Callahan.

In offering his condolences to Warne's family as well as a state funeral for the Test legend, Premier Andrews said his impact on sport around the world will never be forgotten.

The Premier also confirmed that Warne will have a grandstand at his beloved MCG named after him.

"Nobody who saw Shane Warne play will ever forget him," Mr Andrews said. "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."

Reuters news agency is reporting one of Warne's friends found the 52-year-old unresponsive in the Thai 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.

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.

Seen here, A woman places flowers and a can of Victoria Bitter (VB) beer at a statue of Shane Warne at the MCG.
A woman places flowers and a can of Victoria Bitter (VB) beer at a statue of Shane Warne at the MCG. Pic: Getty (WILLIAM WEST via Getty Images)

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 reacts to 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."

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said Warne was a "genius" and the 52-year-old's death was an incredible shock.

Hollywood star Russell Crowe and legendary Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger were just a number of celebrities to express their shock and devastation over Warne's death.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Warne as "one of the nicest guys you could meet", noting his work with disadvantaged children.

Former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd said the cricketing legend was "larger than life".

"A living legend. No longer with us. Far too young," Mr Rudd tweeted. "Both cricket and the country so much poorer for his passing."

Australian actor Magda Szubanski, who worked with Warne on the sitcom Kath & Kim, said she was in utter shock.

"Inconceivable that a life crammed with so much genius and larrikin charm could be snuffed out so suddenly and so soon," she posted on Instagram.

"This is a shocking loss for our nation and for the cricketing world. And poor Sharon has lost her hero and the love of her life."

with AAP

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