Shane Warne’s family deliver touching tribute for cricket icon’s 53rd birthday

The family of late cricket icon Shane Warne have taken to the King of Spin’s Instagram page to deliver a heartwarming tribute on what would have been his 53rd birthday.

Warne died of a suspected heart attack, age 52, while holidaying on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand on March 4.

Warne’s management released a statement shortly after his passing acknowledging the tragedy.

“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” the statement said.

On Tuesday, September 13, Warne’s family shared a photo of the cricket legend mid-bow during a cricket match alongside the caption, “Happy Birthday 1969-2022”.

“A legacy gives you a perspective on what’s important,” the caption read.

“It is about the richness of an individual’s life, including what they accomplished and the impact they had on people and places.

“Shane’s Legacy will live on.

“Happy birthday – always in our hearts.”

 

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A post shared by Shane Warne (@shanewarne23)

The likes of Natalie Imbruglia and Damien Hurley joined fans to pay tribute to Warne and wish him a “Happy heavenly birthday”.

Professional surfer Kelly Slater said “Gonna miss Shane at the Dunhill”.

“Happy heavenly birthday @shanewarne23. Sending all our love to brooke, jacko, summer, Keith, Brigette, Jason, H, and families x,” one fan wrote.

“Hope your bowling in some good areas up in heaven Shane.”

“No doubt about it. Not many people on the planet have been so good at their craft that they literally changed the game & inspired a new generation of talent to follow in his footsteps. And he did so with such a competitive edge & Aussie larrikin spirit that just etches him even more into his legend status. Happy bday king,” another commented.

“Thinking of all the family today. And thinking of you Shane.. looking down on us all and protecting the kids from above.”

“Happy birthday to the King of Spin. A true blue Aussie legend, a top bloke and the greatest bowler the world has ever seen in my eyes. It’s still hard to believe we won’t be hearing from you in the commentary box this summer, it really is. Thoughts are with the whole Warne family today.”

On Sunday, March 20, family and friends gathered together at a private funeral to lay Warne to rest.

The invitation-only event was attended by many cricketing greats such as Merv Hughes, ex-captain Mark Taylor, and batsman Mark Waugh.

Michael Clarke, Brendon Julian and Glenn McGrath were among the over 100 notable appearances, including many TV and media personalities as well as members of the St Kilda football club to bid farewell to the cricketing great.

Warne’s coffin, covered in St Kilda scarves, was carried to a hearse by his brother Jason, father Keith and son Jackson before the King-of-Spin was honoured with a touching lap around Moorabbin Oval – St Kilda’s home.