Liz Hurley has paid tribute to her ex-boyfriend Shane Warne after he died of a suspected heart attack in Thailand.
Ms Hurley was in a relationship with the cricketer for three years until they split in 2013.
Posting a photograph of them together, she wrote on Instagram: “I feel like the sun has gone behind a cloud forever. RIP my beloved Lionheart.”
Ms Hurley shared seven touching pictures of the couple, including one of them kissing.
Warne broke up with his wife Simone Callahan in 2005 amid cheating allegations.
He started dating Ms Hurley in 2010 and moved into her Brighton mansion. The couple went their separate ways three years later after reportedly “growing apart”.
Warne’s four friends battled for 20 minutes to save his life after finding him unresponsive at a villa in Thailand on Friday.
Police Senior Sergeant Major Suporn Hemruangsree said the group were asleep when one of Warne’s friends attempted to wake him but could not do so.
Warne’s friends performed CPR for around 20 minutes before emergency services arrived at the scene and took him to the Thai International Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
On Saturday, Warne’s manager James Erskine explained that the group had been going out to get a drink at around 5pm.
“[They] knocked on his door at 5.15pm because Warnie was always on time and said: ‘C’mon you’re going to be late,’ and then realised something was wrong,” he said.
Local media reported that the Wat Plai Leam rescue team was called around 5.30pm and discovered Warne unconscious at the property.
Rescue team chief Phet Boonrak said: “His friends were so shocked. They said they had found him unconscious on the bed and moved him to the floor to attempt CPR.
“In the room, there was vomit on the floor but no sign of injuries. The ambulance arrived within 15 minutes, they took him to the hospital immediately.”
In a tragic final Instagram post just hours before his death, the leg-spin bowler had shared a picture his Thai villa captioned: “Good night from Koh Samui”.
Warner’s management confirmed his death in a statement on Friday, writing: “Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived.
“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”
Warne left an indelible mark on cricket, having taken 708 wickets in 145 Tests between 1992 and 2007. He was particularly influential against England with 195 wickets – the most by any bowler in the Ashes.
Tributes flooded in from the cricket world after news of Warne’s death was announced on Friday.
Australia Test captain Pat Cummins said: “Warnie was an all-time great, a once-in-a-century type of cricketer and his record will live on forever.”
Ashes 2005 winning captain Michael Vaughan said on Instagram: “It just doesn’t feel real to be talking about someone who once was an enemy on the pitch to one who became a great friend off it.
“I am absolutely gutted to have a lost a great friend... one thing is for sure Heaven will be a lively place now the King has arrived.”
Sir Elton John shared a photo of himself with Warne and Hurley, and he referenced the death of Rod Marsh, the Australian cricketer who also died on Friday.
He wrote: “A tragic day for Australian cricket. Two legends passing is heartbreaking. I knew them both and played cricket with Rod in Perth. A very special and fearless man.
“Shane was a magical bowler and such huge fun. They were both Australians through and through, which made them so endearing.
“My sympathies to their families and loved ones.”
Ed Sheeran said he had spoken to Warne on the phone this week to mark the anniversary of the death last year of music mogul Michael Gudinski.
The singer-songwriter shared a photo of Warne and Gudinski together on Instagram and wrote: “The world keeps taking incredible people away.
“I spoke to Shane on the anniversary of Michael’s passing this week saying we were both raising a glass of 707 in his honour, and now this news comes out.
“Shane was the kindest heart, and always went above and beyond to make people feel welcome and special. Such a gentleman.
“He gave so many hours and years of his life to bring joy to others, and was such an amazing friend to me. Il bloody miss you mate. Absolutely gutted.”
Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger shared a black and white photo of Warne on Twitter while recalling his cricketing talent.
He 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.”
Australian pop star Kylie Minogue also paid her respects, writing: “Vale Warney. Condolences to his family, friends and fans. The one and only King of Spin, #ShaneWarne.”
Her sister and fellow pop star Dannii tweeted: “I am devastated to wake up to the news that Shane Warne has passed. My heart breaks for his family and friends.
“He was such a light and energy in the room. He was always lovely to my whole family.”
