The body of cricket great Shane Warne will be returned to his mourning family in Australia today after an autopsy confirmed his cause of death.
Police in Thailand confirmed last night Warne died of natural causes, following an autopsy conducted by a forensic doctor at a hospital in Surat Thani. His body is expected to be repatriated to Australia today, Thai police said.
A charter flight has been organised for that purpose.
Parents Keith and Brigitte Warne, in an emotional tribute yesterday, said Friday night had been the start of a “never-ending nightmare” for their family.
“To find words to adequately express our sadness is an impossible task for us and looking to a future without Shane is inconceivable,” they said in a statement.
Warne’s son, Jackson, reminisced about the times they would watch the Saints, play golf and eat pizza together, saying things would never be the same.
“I don’t think anything is ever going to fill the void you have left in my heart,” he said.
“I am going to miss you so much Dad and you were truly the best father and mate anyone could’ve asked for. I love you so much Dad, see you soon.”
Warne’s brother Jason said life will forever have a “massive hole” following the death of his childhood “nemesis”.
“I have lost my nemesis in all sports as a child, the person who smeared Vegemite under my nose while he pinned me down giving me the typewriter, my big brother, my mate,” he said.
Daughters Summer and Brooke Warne said they wished they had more time with their dad, who was taken “too soon”.
“I wish I could’ve hugged you tighter in what I didn’t know were my final moments with you,” Summer said.
“You are the best Dad someone could ever ask for. Our time was robbed.”
Brooke said his death did not yet feel real.
“It doesn’t feel right, you were taken away too soon and life is so cruel,” she said.
“I will forever cherish our final memories together laughing and joking around with each other.”
