The body of Shane Warne left Thailand early on Thursday, flying back to Australia where he will receive a state funeral.
Wrapped in the Australian flag, the coffin of the 52-year-old – who died on Thailand’s Koh Samui island on Friday – left Don Mueang International airport at 8:24am local time on a private plane, a Thai airport official confirmed.
Autopsy results confirmed that the leg-spin bowler, one of the greatest Test cricketers of all time, died of natural causes after a suspected heart attack.
Warne “didn’t just inspire a cricketing generation – he defined it,” read a statement by the Victoria government, announcing the state funeral would be held on 30 March at the MCG.
Warne was discovered late Friday at a luxury villa on Koh Samui where he was on holiday, after failing to meet friends that evening.
He was taken to the Thai International Hospital Samui but, despite medical efforts, he could not be revived.
On Monday, police said an autopsy had found “the death was due to natural causes”.
Surachate Hakparn, assistant to the national police chief, added that Warne’s father said the player “had been suffering chest pains and was planning to return home for a check-up after this trip”.
In their first public comments since his death, Warne’s parents, brother, children and ex-wife expressed deep sorrow.
“To find words to adequately express our sadness is an impossible task for us and looking to a future without Shane is inconceivable,” parents Keith and Brigitte Warne said in a statement.
“I miss you so much already,” said daughter Summer Warne. “I wish I could’ve hugged you tighter in what I didn’t know were my final moments with you.
“I wish I could’ve told you that everything was going to be OK and hold your hand.”
Son Jackson Warne reminisced about playing golf and poker, and watching Aussie rules while eating pizza with someone he saw as a brother and best friend, as well as a father.
“I love you so much. I don’t think anything is ever going to fill the void you have left in my heart,” he said in a statement.
“You were truly the best father and mate anyone could’ve asked for. I love you so much Dad, see you soon.”
© Agence France-Presse
