Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan flew home from Adelaide in Australia, where he was covering the Ashes as a pundit, to see his father Graham before he passed away
10:21, 22 Dec 2025Updated 10:32, 22 Dec 2025
Michael Vaughan rushed home to be with his dad before he passed away(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Michael Vaughan has announced that his father Graham has passed away following a battle with cancer.
Former England Test captain Vaughan had been out in Australia covering the Ashes, but flew back to spend time with his father in hospital. The 51-year-old said he had spent an emotional 30 hours alongside him crying and laughing before he passed away.
In an Instagram post, he shared photos of himself smiling alongside his father in a hospital bed while wearing an oxygen tube, as well as three other family photos.
Vaughan wrote: “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 & most importantly the greatest DAD anyone could ever want..
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“He left us peacefully & in no pain in my brother’s arms to a standing ovation. .. 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 ..
“He really has had an incredible zest for life and making sure he lives his but more importantly encouraged all around him to do the same .. that’s exactly what we are all going to do in his honour..
“I have so many people to say thanks but non more than my Brother David who has been a rock for Mum & Dad this last few weeks .. I love you so much Dave .. also Dave’s wife Caroline for doing so much for them this last few weeks xxx the team at Weston park cancer centre in Sheffield have been incredible to Dad and finally to where he peacefully said goodbye @stlukessheff ..
Michael Vaughan spent 30 hours with his dad before he died(Image: Instagram/@michaelvaughan)
“You are where he wanted to announce his innings was over but I can’t thank you all enough for sorting it at such short notice .. RIP DAD .. We all love you so much and you are going to be hugely missed but your legacy will last forever xxx Love ya Dad.”
Ex-Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville was among those to send their condolences. He wrote: “So sorry for your loss Michael.”
Former England player and coach David Lloyd, who has worked alongside Vaughan as a broadcaster, wrote: “Such a wonderful man has left us ….I hope in your grief you can celebrate the great times you all had together.”
Graham Vaughan has passed away(Image: Instagram/@michaelvaughan)
Ex-Australia wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist replied: “Continue to carry that very legacy forward in the manner you do mate. Love you and look forward to the hug and toast.”
Former England spin bowler Monty Panesar wrote: “Sorry for your loss mate.” Piers Morgan added: “So sorry to read this, Vaughany. What a lovely tribute.”
Jackson Warne, the son of legendary Australia spin bowler Shane Warne, sent a heart emoji.