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How Shane Warne’s tragic cause of death was confirmed days after he passed aged 52

No one expected to lose him so young.
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The world was rocked by the news of Shane Warne’s sudden and untimely death in on March 4, with shockwaves echoing around Australia in the days that followed.

At the time it was reported that the cricket legend had died from a suspected heart attack while on a trip in Thailand with four friends.

“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” read a statement from his management at the time.

“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”

The Royal Thai Police confirmed soon after that Shane was holidaying with four others in Koh Samui, with further details to come after an autopsy.

The cricket legend will receive a state funeral.

(Image: Getty)

His body was transported to Samui Hospital, where a post mortem exam showed no signs of foul play in his death, with officials confirming Shane died of natural causes.

The post mortem exam showed Warne died of a “congenital disease”, with hospital deputy director Songyot Chayaninporamet adding at a press conference: “There is no Covid-19 infection and no sign of assault or murder.”

Thailand’s deputy police spokesman Krissana Pattanacharoen added in a statement, via BBC: “Investigators received an autopsy report today in which a forensic doctor concludes the death was due to natural causes.”

The 52-year-old’s body was the transported home to Australia, with Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirming that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade were working with Thai authorities to assist with repatriation.

Shane is survived by his three children, son Jackson, 22, and daughters Summer, 20 and Brooke, 24.

WATCH: See the trailer for the Shane Warne documentary. Story continues below.

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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews offered a state funeral to honour the cricket star, saying: “Victoria has lost an icon. Australia has lost a legend.”

Shane was best known for his illustrious cricket career but was also beloved by Australians for his larrikin personality.

Tributes from friends, fans and fellow celebrities flooded in following the shocking news of his death, with the Warne family later releasing personal statements of their own.

Australian stars such as Dannii Minogue, Jimmy Barnes, and Hugh Jackmanalso shared tributes to Shane, while international names like Boris Johnson, Mick Jagger, and Ed Sheeran posted their condolences online.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also shared a heartfelt tribute to Twitter, writing: “Australians have woken in shock and sadness to the awful news of the death of Shane Warne, aged just 52.

Shane Warne died at age 52.

(Image: Getty)

“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,” he continued.

“Australians loved him. We all did. We are all bewildered today by this sad and sudden losss.

“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. With a cheeky smile and a zest for life.”

The Prime Minister is expected to attend the upcoming state funeral in Shane’s honour, which will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds on 30 March.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, WHO.

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