Australia cricketing legend Shane Warne was found dead in his villa at the Samujana Villas resort in Thai island of Koh Samui on March 4, 2022. He was only 52 years old.

Chatchawin Nakmusik of the Bo Put police told the media that Warne was discovered unconscious late Friday afternoon by three friends staying in the same villa, who tried unsuccessfully to revive him. The officer also added that Warne was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where medical personnel could not revive him.

The officer said that they are not treating the demise of the Australian cricketing legend as suspicious and Warne's body had been transferred to another hospital for autopsy and his associates would be questioned by police on Saturday, but added there were no signs of foul play.

Shane Warne’s management had released a brief statement that he passed away.

“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived. The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course,” the statement read.

Australian state funeral
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday said Australians were "bewildered" by a "sad and sudden loss" of Shane Warne, and announced the cricketing hero would receive a state funeral.

"He was one of our nation's greatest characters," Morrison said, marking the 52-year-old's death.

Praising him as inspiration to backyard cricketers across the country, Morrison described a larger-than-life character who lit up each Australian summer.  

"His humour, his passion, his irreverence, his approachability ensured he was loved by all."

In recognition 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."

Morrison -- who recently tested positive for Covid-19 and is in isolation -- compared Warne to all-time great and fellow Australian Don Bradman.

"There was none like Shane," Morrison said."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 & a zest for life."

"There was something magical that he brought to our summers. The bleached blonde hair, the almost casual way he moved to send down a delivery, and his engagement with the crowd. He was one of a kind."

"He inspired so many girls and boys to try their hand at cricket. He made it all look so easy. At some point, in most Australian backyards, we all tried to deliver a flipper."

"Our love and condolences go to Shane's family and particularly his children Brooke, Jackson, and Summer."–Agencies