"RIP my beloved Lionheart": Liz Hurley's tribute to Shane Warne
Shane Warne’s former fiancée Liz Hurley penned an emotional tribute following the news of his shocking death.
The legendary cricketer, 52, died of a suspected heart attack on March 4 in a luxury villa on the Thailand holiday island of Koh Samui.
Taking to Instagram, Liz shared cherished photos of the pair at the time of their engagement along with a heartfelt message.
“I feel like the sun has gone behind a cloud forever,” she wrote.
“RIP my beloved Lionheart.”
Her son Damien also took to social media to pay tribute to Warnie who was a “father figure” to him.
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around this… SW was a father figure to me for most of my formative years and was truly one the best men I’ve ever known. My heart is broken. Thinking of and sending love to all SW’s family,” he wrote along a series of family photos.
Shane and Liz first met at Goodwood Racecourse in 2010 as their relationship blossomed into a whirlwind romance.
The couple were engaged a year later when Shane proposed to the English actress on James Packer’s boat off the coast of Spain in 2011.
Despite being “madly in love” the pair did not make it down the aisle and split up in 2013.
Hurley was just one of hundreds of high-profile figures to share their love and respect for Warne, who will receive a State Funeral in Victoria.
“Victoria has lost an icon. Australia has lost a legend. And the entire cricket world is mourning the loss of the King,” Victorian Premier Dan Andrews wrote.
“Shane Warne didn't just inspire a cricketing generation - he defined it…To us, he was the greatest - but to his family, he was so much more. Our hearts are breaking for Shane's family and friends - and they are in the thoughts of all Victorians.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison also issued a statement upon hearing the shocking news.
"We have lost one of Australia's greatest cricketers. We are bewildered by this sad and sudden loss.”
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese also issued a statement reading: “He was an artist, he was a magician with a ball in his hand, he was an Australian character larger than life in the way he conducted himself, he was a larrikin character there's no doubt about that - it is shocking news he has passed.
“To all of his children, to his many, many friends who will be mourning him today, I pass on my sincere condolences.”
Fellow cricketers, who played the field with Warnie also sent out messages of disbelief.
“Hard to put this into words. I first met him when I was 15 at the Academy. He gave me my nickname,” former cricketer now coach Ricky Ponting wrote.
“We were teammates for more than a decade, riding all the highs and lows together.
"Through it all he was someone you could always count on, someone who loved his family someone who would be there for you when you needed him and always put his mates first.
“The greatest bowler I ever played with or against.
“RIP King. My thoughts are with Keith, Bridgette, Jason, Brooke, Jackson and Summer.”
“Shocked, stunned & miserable…,” former captain of the Indian national team Sachin Tendulkar wrote on Twitter.
“Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you.
“Gone too young!”
Retired cricketer Glenn McGrath was “devastated” when he heard the crushing news about his “great mate”.
“Just absolutely devastated today,” he began.
“Warnie was larger than life. I thought nothing could ever happen to him. He lived more in his life than most people would live in 20.
“He was the ultimate competitor. He thought the game was never lost, that he could turn it around & bring us to victory, which he did so many times.
“I think he lived his life the same way. There seemed to be never a dull moment. He was a great mate & a loving father. He loved his kids so much & my thoughts are with Brooke, Jackson & Summer.
“My thoughts are also with Keith, Bridgette & Jason. Rest In Peace my good mate, there’ll never again be anyone like you.”
Rolling Stone frontman Mick Jagger took to Twitter and wrote: "I'm so saddened by the sudden death of Shane Warne. He brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin bowler ever," he wrote.
Image: Instagram