Public figures are remembering Australian cricketing great Shane Warne as a remarkable player who was a loyal friend to many, following his sudden death from a suspected heart attack.
News broke in the early hours of Saturday that the 52-year-old had been found unresponsive in a villa in Koh Samui, Thailand.
Just hours before, Warne tweeted his condolences for another cricket great, Rod Marsh.
Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game & an inspiration to so many young boys & girls. Rod cared deeply about cricket & gave so much-especially to Australia & England players. Sending lots & lots of love to Ros & the family. RIP mate❤️
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 4, 2022
Reuters news agency is reporting one of Warne’s friends 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.
A Thai police officer has told Reuters the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Warne’s death has led to an outpouring of grief on social media.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the nation was “bewildered” by the shocking news.
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/SFxLxe0SQo
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 4, 2022
“There was none like Shane,” Mr Morrison tweeted. “He lived his life his way.
“He had his great achievements, but also his regrets. He carried them all the same way. With a cheeky smile and a zest for life.”
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.”
Shane Warne was one of the greatest cricketers the game has known. It was a joy to watch him play. My thoughts go to the ones who loved him the most. We will miss you Warnie. pic.twitter.com/lcKDM0RnmF
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) 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.— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) March 4, 2022
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger said he was saddened by Warne’s passing.
“He brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin bowler ever,” he tweeted.
I’m 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
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 4, 2022
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Warne as “one of the nicest guys you could meet”, noting his work with disadvantaged children.
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
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 4, 2022
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.
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There will never be another Warnie.
RIP. 💔
— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) March 4, 2022
AAP
