Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan revealed that his father, Graham, has died following a battle with cancer.
The 51-year-old, who had been working in Australia providing Ashes coverage and presenting the Stick To Cricket podcast, made the journey back to the UK to be alongside his family during Graham’s final days.
Vaughan shared the news through an emotional Instagram post on Monday morning, accompanied by several photographs spanning different periods of his father’s life.
Among the images were recent selfies showing Graham wearing an oxygen tube while giving a thumbs up from his hospital bed.
The former Test captain’s son, Archie, has represented England at the youth level.
In his heartfelt tribute, Vaughan described the precious time he was able to spend with his father before his passing.
He wrote: “I am just so blessed to have made it home to spend the most special 30 hrs laying next to him talking / crying & as always with Dad laughing.”
Graham passed away peacefully at St Luke’s hospice in Sheffield, with Vaughan revealing his father “left us peacefully & in no pain in my brother’s arms to a standing ovation”.
Among the images were recent selfies showing Graham wearing an oxygen tube while giving a thumbs up from his hospital bed
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The former captain explained that the hospice was where his father had chosen to spend his final moments, using cricketing language to describe how Graham “wanted to announce his innings was over” there.
Vaughan paid tribute to his father writing: “With a heavy heart and tears rolling down my cheek as I type, yesterday we said goodbye to my hero, my mentor, my best pal and most importantly the greatest DAD anyone could ever want.”
He praised Graham’s enthusiasm for life and his encouragement of those around him to embrace their own, pledging that the family would continue living fully in his honour.
The former captain expressed particular gratitude to his brother David, describing him as “a rock for Mum & Dad” during recent weeks, along with David’s wife Caroline for her support.
Michael Vaughan shared the news through an emotional Instagram post on Monday morning
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Vaughan also thanked the medical professionals at Weston Park Cancer Centre in Sheffield for their care, as well as the staff at St Luke’s Hospice for accommodating the family at short notice.
Condolences poured in from across the sporting world following Vaughan’s announcement.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville wrote: “So sorry for your loss Michael.”
Ex-England coach David “Bumble” Lloyd, who has worked with Vaughan in broadcasting, said: “Such a wonderful man has left us… I hope in your grief you can celebrate the great times you all had together.”
Michael Vaughan found himself caught up in the horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday afternoon
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PAAustralian wicketkeeping legend Adam Gilchrist offered his support, and former England spinner Monty Panesar, former teammate Kevin Pietersen and England’s Barmy Army also sent messages of sympathy.
Jackson Warne, son of the late Shane Warne, responded with a heart emoji.
The loss comes during an already traumatic period for Vaughan, who was barricaded inside a restaurant during the Bondi Beach terror attack last weekend.
Following the incident, Vaughan wrote: “Being locked in a restaurant in Bondi was scary .. Now home safe.”
