Warne died of ‘natural causes’

Cricket superstar Shane Warne died of natural causes, Thai police said Monday.

The legendary Australian leg-spinner died on the Thai holiday island of Koh Samui on Friday after being found unresponsive at a luxury villa.

Initial reports suggested the 52-year-old suffered a heart attack and autopsy results on Monday confirmed he died of natural causes.

“Investigators received an autopsy report today in which a forensic doctor concludes the death was due to natural causes,” Krissana Pattanacharoen, deputy national police spokesman, said.

He said Warne’s family had been informed of the result and accepted it.

Officials said his body will now be transported to Bangkok to be handed over to diplomats for repatriation to Australia, where he is to be honoured with a state funeral.

Warne’s unexpected death sparked an outpouring of grief from prime ministers, rock stars and fellow athletes. – AFP