Australian cricket legend Shane Warne was said to be “full of life” just hours before his tragic death during a holiday in Thailand last week.
Warne was renowned as one of the best bowlers of all time, taking more than 1,000 wickets in Tests and One Day Internationals across a 23-year career for Australia, Victoria, Hampshire, Rajasthan Royals and Melbourne Stars.
Following his retirement from Twenty20 cricket in 2013, which came six years after his last international match, Warne also forged a successful media career, with his punditry entertaining fans.
But the cricketing and sporting world was left heartbroken last Friday when news broke that Warne had died of a suspected heart attack while on a beach holiday in Thailand.
Warne had just arrived on the island of Koh Samui for a five-day villa break following a period of commentating in Australia.
Tragically though, he was found collapsed in his room in the evening by his business manager Andrew Neophitou.
After being taken to hospital by paramedics, he was declared dead having suffered a suspected heart attack.
Just hours before his death though, Warne was described as being “full of life” after arriving for his holiday.
In fact, he had even called into his tailor for a suit fitting just five hours before he was found in his room.
“I love cricket and Shane Warne was a hero of mine. It was a great privilege to make his suits,” Parsuram Panday told The Sun.
“He was due to collect his clothes on Saturday or Sunday so when I saw the news that he had died, I was shocked. I was devastated.
“I couldn’t believe that I was speaking with him just a few hours earlier. When he came into the shop he was so happy, strong and full of life and energy.
“He said, ‘Long time no see, Parsuram’ and laughed. He said, ‘It’s great to see you’ and he patted me on the back.
“He was buzzing with excitement. He said he was ready for a break because it had been a busy summer in Australia. He was looking forward to going out to the bars.”
Before his death, Warne watched Australia take on Pakistan in the first day of their Test, which was tragically the final match he would see.
On Saturday, his body was taken by ferry to the city of Surat for a post-mortem, with the Australian ambassador travelling alongside it.
Warne’s family have also accepted to offer of a state funeral, with the cricket legend’s home ground, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, suggested as a venue.
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews believes the state funeral will provide a fitting way for Australians to bid farewell to the legend.
“It will be an opportunity for Victorians to pay tribute to his contribution to his sport, to our state and the country,” Andrews said.
