Shane Warne’s children reveal they believe the legend ‘could still be with us now’ if he had taken one simple step before that fateful trip to Thailand
- Warne suffered a fatal heart attack in 2022
- His children want his legacy to inspire them
- Believe that one simple act could have saved Warne, and other Aussies
Shane Warne’s family believe one simple act could have saved the Australian cricket legend.
The King of Spiders tragically died on March 4, 2022 at the age of 52 from a heart attack while staying at a luxury villa on the Thai holiday island of Koh Samui.
Warne attempted to improve his health during the fateful trip, with his manager James Erskine insisting he was sober. The room he stayed in was free of alcohol or cigarettes at the time of his death.
As the tragedy rocked the country, his children Brooke, Jackson and Summer hope Warne’s sudden death can inspire other Aussies to take action and save their own lives.
Warne, right, pictured with the Cricket World Cup and teammates Mark and Steve Waugh, tragically died in 2022 of a heart attack while on holiday in Thailand
Warne’s surviving children Jackson, Summer and Brooke urge Australians to take heart test, move that could save their lives
Warne was known for his love of drinking and smoking, which would have made him eligible for regular heart health checks.
In a joint letter to News Corp, the children urged Aussies to get their hearts checked regularly.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, causing 12 percent of all deaths.
Although Warne reportedly spoke to a doctor about his heart health before leaving for Thailand, he did not undergo a thorough test.
Warne’s family believes that if that test had been done, their father and hero would still be with us.
“We believe that if Dad had taken one of these tests, he could still be with us today,” the children wrote.
“As we reflect on Shane’s death in March 2022, we can’t help but wonder whether a heart test may have revealed a problem, allowing him to take preventative measures,” Warne’s parents Brigitte and Keith added.
Warne’s parents Brigitte and Keith, pictured with Warne and Liz Hurley when he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, also want more Aussies to have a heart test
Warne provided many brilliant moments in his playing career and was a much-loved media personality before his death
Many Australians are still in mourning for the Sheikh of Tweak, with a tribute to Warne erected at the MCG where a stand is also named after him
The Shane Warne Foundation is one of the greatest legacies left by the champion cricketer, with his children carrying the torch to continue the work of the non-profit organization.
Now Shane Warne Legacy – a new organization launching on Tuesday – wants to fund 23,000 free health tests for Australians this year, with the aim of providing the country with 500,000 free heart tests by 2024.
“We are extremely proud of the Shane Warne Legacy team, who were Dad’s team in his life for almost 20 years. They ensure that Dad will be remembered the way he deserves, doing exactly what he would want: a helping hand for those in need,” his children wrote.
“His legacy, that of making a difference, is nothing short of extraordinary. He would love this.
“We strive to reciprocate the love and guidance Dad gave us throughout our lives by continuing the legacy he left behind.
“It is our sincere commitment to preserve the legacy on his behalf.”