Shane Warne's untimely death sent shockwaves through cricket fraternity which left everyone mourning and stunned. In the recent development in Warne's death investigation Thailand Police have said that the legendary cricketer was experiencing chest pains prior to his death from a suspected heart attack during a holiday in Koh Samui.
The 52-year-old was declared dead by doctors in the Thai International Hospital on Friday night, after friends tried to revive him in his luxury villa hours earlier.
Thai police confirmed on Saturday that Warne’s family had advised them that the former Australian leg spinner had a history of asthma and heart disease. Bo Phut police station on Koh Samui superintendent Yuttana Sirisomba said Warne had “seen a doctor about his heart” recently. As a result, Thai police have ruled out treating the 52-year-old’s death as suspicious, but do not yet have an official cause of death.
Australia’s ambassador to Thailand said he had met twice with Thai Police with other DFAT officials to arrange returning the body to Australia. Allan McKinnon addressed reporters on Saturday and thanked Thai Police for their cooperation and understanding.
"I'm here on behalf of Shane Warne's family and his travelling companions to thank Superintendent Yuttana and his team here at the Bo Phun Police Station and the hospital in Koh Samui for facilitating this process and getting Shane Warne back to Australia as quickly as possible," he said.
Warne was given CPR for 45 minutes
"The patient was intubated. We continued to resuscitate and provide CPR for 45 minutes. The doctor on duty concluded that the patient had passed before arriving at the hospital," Dulyakit Wittayachanyapong, medical director of Thai International Hospital, said on Saturday (March 5).
Fox Sports television quoted a family statement as saying Warne died of a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand.
Warne worked as a commentator for Fox Sports. The statement said, "Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and ... could not be revived." "After the hospital was contacted by the hotel, we sent an emergency medical team to assist the patient at the premise. We received the call around 4.40 p.m. and the team arrived around 5 pm," Wittayachanyapong said.
"There were people who were with him and rescue workers already performing the CPR. Our team continued to provide the CPR there and during transportation to the hospital. We continued to resuscitate and provide CPR for 45 minutes," he added.
The Great Southern Stand at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) will be renamed in honour of Shane Warne with Victoria's minister for tourism and sport, Martin Pakula, making the announcement on Saturday (March 5) morning after consulting with Victoria premier Daniel Andrews, MCC Trust chairman Steve Bracks and MCC CEO Stuart Fox.
Warne, one of the all-time greats of the game, died at the age of 52 due to a suspected heart attack in Thailand on Friday (March 4).
"We will be renaming the Great Southern Stand the S.K. Warne stand and we'll be doing that as soon as we possibly can," Pakula said.
"I can think of no finer tribute to the greatest cricketer this state has produced than to rename the stand the S.K. Warne stand and no matter whatever happens to that stand in the future whether it's rebuilt, refurbished, renovated, it will remain the S.K.
"Warne stand in perpetuity because his legend will live in perpetuity." Warne had taken his 700th Test wicket and also claimed an Ashes hat-trick at the MCG and there is already a statue of the legend outside the ground.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday announced that late spin legend Shane Warne will receive a state funeral.
In honour of Warne’s “national achievements his family will be offered a state funeral,” Morrison said in a statement.
“This will be done in consultation with the Warne family,” he said, promising to “ensure we honour Shane’s passing and memory.”
Praising the spin legend, PM Morrison said: "He was one of our nation's greatest characters. His humour, his passion, his irreverence, his approachability ensured he was loved by all." "There was none like Shane. He lived his life his way. He had his great achievements, but also his regrets. He carried them all the same way," Morrison said.
