THE autopsy of Australian cricket star Shane Warne has been completed at a Thailand hospital as his family prepares to fly his body home for a state funeral in Australia.
Warne, 52, was found collapsed in his room at 5pm by his business manager at a luxury villa on the island of Koh Samui on Friday.
Shane Warne’s body was transported via ambulance on a ferry to a mainland Thailand hospital
The ferry holding Warne’s body seen departing from a pier to Surat Thani
The body of Shane Warne was sent to Suratthani Hospital from Koh Samui for autopsy at the morgue
He was declared dead from a suspected heart attack after paramedics battled in vain to revive the cricket legend as his friends shouted: “Come on, Shane.”
Friends and Australian officials were on board with the ambulance carrying his body as the ferry made a 90-minute trip to the mainland.
He was taken to Suratthani Hospital in the southern city Surat Thani where doctors performed the post mortem to pinpoint the cause of death.
Warne’s family hope the dad-of-three’s body will be quickly returned.
They have accepted the offer of a state funeral with Melbourne Cricket Ground, Warne’s home turf, suggested as the “most fitting” venue.
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews said: “It will be an opportunity for Victorians to pay tribute to his contribution to his sport, to our state and the country.”
Earlier today Warne’s tailor told SE the Aussie legend “full of energy” when he arrived for a five-day beach villa holiday following a stint commentating on cricket in Australia.
Warne was “buzzing with excitement” before he died at the start of a Thailand break — and ate a Vegemite sandwich just hours earlier.
His death is not being treated as suspicious.
The “heartbroken” son of Australian cricket legend Shane Warne still “expects him to walk in the door”.
Warne’s long-time manager James Erskine says the entire family are shattered after the icon died from a suspected heart attack.
‘BAD DREAM’
Erskine said Warne’s ex-wife Simone and their three kids Jackson, Brooke and Summer were struggling to come to terms with the loss.
Erskine told Weekend Today: “I think the three children are in complete shock. I spoke to them yesterday and again.
“Jackson just said, ‘We just expect him to walk in the door. This is like a bad dream’.
“I spoke to Simone, who was really upset, and obviously Keith, Shane’s father, is a pretty strong individual but, like everybody he’s just shattered. They can’t believe what’s happened.
“I think that’s what happens when you have a sudden death and you’re not expecting it.”
Shane Warne was ‘buzzing with excitement’ before he died at the start of a Thailand break — and ate a Vegemite sandwich just hours beforehand
Legend Warne took 708 wickets in 145 Tests over 15 years
A wreath, flowers and beers were left at the Samujana Villas where Warne died
People pay their respects at a statue of cricket great Warne outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground
