In the early hours of the morning on March 5, news broke that cricket legend Shane Warne had died in Thailand of a suspected heart attack. He was just 52.
Australia woke to devastating reports that one of the nation’s most iconic – and most beloved – sporting figures was gone, leaving behind three children and an incredible legacy.
In the days that followed, those who knew “Warnie” best flooded social media with tributes to the man he was both on and off the cricket pitch.
The Aussie cricket icon passed away aged 52.
(Image: Twitter)Actress Magda Szubanski remembered his charm and wit, former fiancée Elizabeth Hurley called him her “Lionheart” and fellow sportsmen like Michael Clarke voiced their heartbreak.
His family have also released official statements regarding his tragic death, including heartfelt words from his children.
In honour of Shane’s incredible life and the legacy he leaves behind, we’ve collected some of the most touching tributes from friends, family and fellow stars.
Keep scrolling to see how Australia is remembering Shane Warne.
Michael Clarke
Still in disbelief over Shane’s death, Michael shared a simple tribute to him on the Monday morning following the news breaking with a single emoji to express his heartbreak: “💔”
A day later he appeared on the Today Show to share his memories of “Warnie” and broke down in tears on live TV as he remembered the legend he called a friend.
“No more crying,” he said through tears. “It will be hard [at his funeral] … I’m sure he will get the send off that he deserves but I don’t think I will ever say goodbye.”
WATCH: See the moment Michael broke down on live TV over Shane’s death. Gallery continues after video.
Michael Clarke breaks down on live TV over Shane Warne’s death
Elizabeth Hurley
Though their romance came to an end in 2013, the same year they got engaged, Liz only had kind words for her former flame. She wrote on Instagram: “I feel like the sun has gone behind a cloud forever. RIP my beloved Lionheart.”
Magda Szubanski
The TV star, who worked with Shane for his guest appearance on Kath And Kim, wrote that she was in “utter shock” after getting the news in the middle of the night. She said on Instagram: “Inconceivable that a life crammed with so much genius and larrikin charm could be snuffed out so suddenly and so soon.”
She recalled filming with him and said the cricketer was “a great sport” and “we had loads of fun” before turning her attention to his family: “Mostly I remember how he spoke with such great love and pride of his beautiful kids. This is a shocking loss for our nation and for the cricketing world.
“But right now my heart is with his family and his friends – and most especially with his beautiful children Jackson Summer and Brooke whom he loved so very very much. RIP Warnie 💔”
Jackson, Summer and Brooke Warne
His children have shared some details on how they are dealing with the heartache. “I think the three children are in complete shock,” Shane’s manager James Erskine told Channel Nine’s Today Show. “I spoke to them yesterday and … Jackson just said, ‘We expect him to walk in the door. This is like a bad dream’.”
Dannii Minogue
Recalling her friendship with Shane, Dannii wrote: “I am devastated to wake up to the news that Shane Warne has passed. My heart breaks for his family and friends. He was such a light and energy in the room. He was always lovely to my whole family. He knew that I didn’t have a clue about cricket, but he liked that. To me, he was just Shane. I can still hear him say, ‘Hey Disco how are you?'”
Hugh Jackman
“Like you all, I’m in shock to wake to the news that @shanewarne23 has passed away. I’m grateful to have known him, and to have witnessed his once in a generation talent. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and close friends at this incredibly difficult time. Rest well Shane,” Hugh wrote on Instagram.
Andy Lee
Andy shared this photo of himself out golfing with Shane alongside the caption: “I’m lying in bed having just heard the news that a legend and friend has passed. He opened so many doors for me to the sport I loved and we shared a lot of yarns playing another sport we both loved. Forever grateful. You’ll be missed 💔”
Jimmy Barnes
“Shane Warne was a champion. One of a kind. Every time he touched a ball, Australia had a chance. But I remember him as the guy who met a my son Jackie once when Jackie was very young. Three years later he still remembered his name and made him feel special,” Jimmy wrote. “RIP Warnie we will always remember you.”
Anthony Callea
After starring on I’m A Celeb together, Anthony shared an emotional tribute to Shane on Instagram, writing: “A father, an Icon, a philanthropist, a friend, a party boy, a gentleman. You @shanewarne23 were selfless and generous, not only financially to many charities and organisations, but with your spirit and time.
“You were that person that always made sure everyone felt welcomed in your presence and you made people feel good about themselves. You nurtured and lifted people and you were truly a kind and ridiculously funny gentleman! … It was and will always be an honour to have known you and I’m utterly in shock 💔” he concluded, sending his love and condolences to Shane’s family.”
Russell Crowe
On Twitter, Russell wrote: “S.K. Warne. Woke this morning to the devastating news. Having a hard time accepting it. Genius player. Grand company. Loyal friend.”
Ed Sheeran
The UK-born singer wrote on Instagram: “The world keeps taking incredible people away. I spoke to Shane on the anniversary of Michael’s passing this week saying we were both raising a glass of 707 in his honour, and now this news comes out.
“Shane was the kindest heart, and always went above and beyond to make people feel welcome and special. Such a gentleman. He gave so many hours and years of his life to bring joy to others, and was such an amazing friend to me. I’ll bloody miss you mate. Absolutely gutted.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
“Australians have woken in shock and sadness to the awful news of the death of Shane Warne at just aged 52,” the PM wrote as the news came in. “Shane was one of our greatest cricketers of all time, one of only a few that could approach the extraordinary achievements of the great Don Bradman.”
He went on to reflect on Shane’s many achievements and called him “one of our nation’s greatest characters” who was loved by all Australians, noting that the cricket star approached his highs and lows with a real “zest for life. “Our love and condolences go to Shane’s family and particularly his children Brooke, Jackson, and Summer,” he concluded.
Leigh Sales
The journalist took to Instagram with a tribute to Shane, writing: “When I started at 7.30 in 2011, one person was at the top of my interview wishlist: Warnie. He was a genius and historically important cricketer but also something that’s increasingly rare: a true and original character who was unapologetic about who he was.”
It took her seven years to make it happen, but when it finally did Leigh said the cricketer was “smart, charming, interesting, vulnerable, and honest”. She concluded: “Vale Warnie, the country will be less bright and interesting without you, and condolences to his family & friends.”
Cameron Daddo
“Australia, the cricket world doffs its collective hat back atcha’ Warney. RIP Shane Warne. Sincerely gone too soon. 🙌🙌🙌🙏 love and prayers to your kids, your family and friends,” he penned.
Brendan Fevola
“Words can’t express how I’m feeling right now. You were a true champion, a loyal friend but most of all an amazing Dad. You’ve left a huge hole in everyone’s hearts, RIP KING. Sending love to [his family],” Brendan wrote alongside this photo from their time on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
