Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has paid a deeply emotional tribute to his father, Graham Vaughan, following his death after a battle with cancer.
A Sudden Return from Australia
The 51-year-old was working as a pundit and recording his podcast in Australia during the Ashes series when he realised he needed to return home immediately. Vaughan made the urgent journey back to England to be at his father's side for his final moments.
Sharing the news on Instagram, the 2005 Ashes-winning captain posted a series of photographs alongside a lengthy, heartfelt message. He described his father as his hero, mentor, and best friend.
A Son's Emotional Farewell
"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," Vaughan wrote.
He expressed profound gratitude for managing to get home in time, stating he was "blessed" to spend a special final 30 hours lying next to his father, talking, crying, and laughing together. Vaughan noted his father passed away peacefully and without pain, held in the arms of his brother, David.
Vaughan highlighted his father's incredible zest for life and his ability to encourage everyone around him to live fully. He vowed the family would continue to honour that legacy.
Family Gratitude and Public Support
In his post, Vaughan extended heartfelt thanks to his brother David for being "a rock" for their parents in recent weeks, and to David's wife, Caroline. He also praised the staff at Weston Park Cancer Centre in Sheffield for their care.
The tribute prompted an outpouring of support from across the sporting world and beyond. Comments of condolence flooded in from figures including former footballer Gary Neville, ex-England cricketers Kevin Pietersen and Monty Panesar, and broadcaster Piers Morgan.
Jackson Warne, son of the late Australian cricketer Shane Warne, also offered his sympathies. Commentator David 'Bumble' Lloyd remembered Graham Vaughan as "a wonderful man" and encouraged the family to celebrate the great times they shared.
This sad news follows a difficult period for Vaughan, who was recently caught up in the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, where he was locked in a restaurant for safety.
