Final images of Shane Warne show a happy and content cricketing icon

Sporting News Australia

Final images of Shane Warne show a happy and content cricketing icon image

As details have emerged of the immediate aftermath to cricketing icon Shane Warne’s death, relatively little is known about what happened in the lead-up to his tragic passing.

Tom Hall, CEO and one of the owners of Sporting News, had this to say on Shane’s final hours: "A few balls into the [Pakistan v Australia] Test, Warney jumps up and says 'Mate, I bought you a present' and rushes off excitedly to his room. 

"You’re never quite sure what that means with Shane; it could be a bottle of his 708 gin, his fragrance, some book he thought I would enjoy or a random T shirt.  He came back with an armful of clothes looking like he had been at a yard sale....Shane had been working with me at The Sporting News for the past year or so and he presented me with his jumper from the 2005 Ashes Test, his 2008 IPL shirt and a one-day international shirt and cap to place in the TSN offices in Australia and the UK. Amazing gifts I knew the teams would love and cherish. 

“After joking around with the various cricket gear and Rob and a few others getting pictures with Shane, we decide on a quick bite to eat,” he said.

READ: A letter from The Sporting News on the Shane Warne you don't know

READ: Cricket legend's family accepts state funeral

READ: Shane Warne's family release statements on their tragic loss

FARRELL: Shane Warne was larger than life, bigger than the game

“The conversation ran from poker, to a planned trip to Tulum in Mexico, the upcoming IPL season and the usual assortment of golfing stories.

“I have dined with Shane in many fine establishments, but rather than sample some of the local Thai fare, we tuck into a plate of Vegemite on toast. Shane chomping away: ‘Geez, you can’t beat Vegemite with some butter, always great wherever you are in the world.’

“An Australian through and through - this was to turn out to be his last meal. Ever the caring father, as I was leaving, he headed up to his bedroom to call his kids.

“What a player. What a man. The word legend is used too lightly these days, but he is and always will be a legend. He was simply the best.”

Whilst family and those present have chosen to release select statements as they process the tragedy, images have been released to Sporting News documenting a relaxed, happy and vibrant Warne in his final hours.

Shane Warne
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Rob and Shane
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“Anybody that knew Shane knew his warmth, his caring, his incredible sense of humour, his laugh, the twinkle in his eye and that glare from those glowing, unnaturally white teeth,” Hall said.

Friday was a normal day. Until it wasn’t. For those present, it will take an age for anything to feel normal again

Sporting News Australia

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