Koh Samui, Thailand -Thai police on Saturday ruled out foul play in the shock death of Australian cricket superstar Shane Warne, who died of a suspected heart attack while on holiday on the paradise island of Koh Samui aged just 52.
The "King" of spin's death sparked a global outpouring of grief from prime ministers, rock stars, and fellow players, an acknowledgment that the Melbourne native transcended his sport.
Warne -- one of the greatest Test cricketers of all time -- was found unresponsive at his luxury villa at the Samujana resort on Friday evening.
He had reportedly been due to meet friends, who went in search of him when he failed to emerge from his quarters.
"Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived," a statement from his management company said.
His body was brought to the Thai International Hospital Samui at around 6:00 pm local time.
"No foul play was suspected at the scene based on our investigation," Thai police told AFP.
As Australia awoke to the news on Saturday, fans laid flowers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where there is a statue in Warne's honour.
So beloved was Warne in his native Melbourne that the state government said the Great Southern Stand at the MCG will be renamed the S.K. Warne Stand.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called Warne "one of our nation's greatest characters" and announced he would receive a full state funeral.
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