Family in battle to return remains

SHANE Warne’s family is desperately trying to get his body back to Australia after his shock death in Thailand.

Government officials were meeting with Warne’s associate Andrew Neophitou in Koh Samui on Saturday night working out how to return his remains to Melbourne.

The family wants any autopsy to be done in Australia as they hunt for answers on how the 52-year-old, who was embarking on a fitness campaign, could die so suddenly.

His mother Bridgette said the family was “just in shock”.

Warne, a devoted father who kept in touch with his children daily, is survived by Brooke, 24, Jackson, 22, and Summer, 20.

A Thai police officer yesterday confirmed: “No foul play was suspected at the scene based on our investigation.”

Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed on Saturday officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had spoken to those travelling with Warne in Thailand.

She said officials were expected to arrive on the resort island to help with the process.

The Australian government has strict rules about how remains can enter Australia.

An official certificate, with cause of death detailed, was required, with the documents to be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

The paperwork rules were expected to add delays to the return of Warne’s remains.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, cricketing greats including Glenn McGrath and Ricky Ponting, and Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger on Saturday joined a roll call of people around the world paying tribute to Warne.

The Australian and Pakistan cricket teams also paid tribute with a minute’s silence as play resumed in the first Test in Rawalpindi.