BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Shane Warne, whose artful and record-breaking spin bowling on the cricket field was matched by his impish allure and often…
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Shane Warne, whose artful and record-breaking spin bowling on the cricket field was matched by his impish allure and often controversial career off the pitch, was remembered by all manner of athletes, actors, prime ministers and rock stars on Saturday following his death from an apparent heart attack. He was 52. Warne was found unresponsive in his villa hotel in Koh Samui, Thailand on Friday night and could not be revived at a nearby hospital. Plans were being made to return his body to his hometown of Melbourne, Australia, where his family has been offered a state funeral. In a less-traditional tribute, flowers, meat pies and beer cans were laid at a statue of Warne outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground. “Warnie,” as he was widely known, made an art form out of his propensity for fast food — particularly early in his career — and loved a beer, as they say Down Under. Ordinary, everyday Aussies shed tears. Mick Jagger, Elton John, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe were among the celebrities mourning Warne’s death — not as if his incredible career achievements needed any exclamation points from the entertainment industry. But they were there in abundance. Former England captain Michael Vaughan said it best for many of his fellow cricketers past and present. “Shane was the greatest-ever cricketer but more than that his character lit up every dressing room… bar, golf club & friendship group … his energy & positivity was beyond anyone I have ever known.. he was loyal beyond loyal,” Vaughan said on Instagram. “Everyone wanted to be around him but ultimately he was just a normal guy who could do incredible things.” For good measure, all-time greats Sachin Tendulkar — he said he was “shocked, stunned and miserable” — and legendary West Indies stars Brian Lara and Viv Richards added their praise and condolences to Warne’s family, including his three children with his ex-wife Simone. Closer to home, former Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath said Warne, his long-time teammate, “lived more in his life than most people would live in 20… I thought nothing could ever happen to him.
