Piers Morgan ‘devastated’ over sporting legend Shane Warne’s death as stars pay tribute: ‘He was a genius cricketer, supreme entertainer and fantastic bloke’

The iconic sportsman has died aged 52 (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images for The Hundred)

Tributes are pouring in for Australia cricket legend Shane Warne.

The beloved sportsman has died aged 52 after a suspected heart attack, while his family confirmed he was ‘found unresponsive in his villa’ and he couldn’t be revived.

Now, many stars have taken to social media to pay their respects to an icon of the game.

Piers Morgan tweeted: ‘Absolutely devastated to hear that ⁦@ShaneWarne⁩ has died from a heart attack aged just 52. He was a genius cricketer, a supreme entertainer, a fantastic bloke and a great loyal friend for many years. Just gutting news. RIP Warnie, I loved every minute in your company.’

Match of the Day pundit and retired footballer Gary Lineker wrote on twitter: ‘Terribly saddened and shocked to hear the news that Shane Warne has died. The greatest spin bowler of all time.  Can’t quite believe it. RIP Shane’

BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker recently spoke to the sporting star on the early morning show and hailed him as a huge ‘talent’.

He said: ‘Genuinely can’t believe the sad news about the death of Shane Warne. He came on Breakfast just a couple of weeks ago & was as effervescent as ever.

‘What a talent he was. He had a huge impact on cricket and will be sorely missed by so many.’

The tributes have flooded in for the cricket legend (Picture: Back Page Images/REX/Shutterstock)

Actor and comedian Stephen Fry said he was ‘heartbroken’ by the shocking news, and paid tribute to the sport legend’s ‘huge heart’ and talent on the field.

He wrote: ‘Heartbroken to wake to news of the death of @ShaneWarne – heart was what he was all about; a huge heart and, of course, matchlessly dazzling skill with a cricket ball.

‘He single-handedly (wristedly) put the art of spin back where it belonged – at the top of cricket.

‘A true great.’

Shane was previously married to actress Liz Hurley (Picture: Rui Vieira/PA Wire)

Comedian Mark Watson found the news hard to take, adding: ‘If this is true about Shane Warne it is bewildering news. Nothing much to say. RIP, tormentingly brilliant sportsman.’

And Love Island star Chris Hughes tweeted: ‘Wow I can’t believe it. The greatest ever, and a lovely bloke [crying emoji] sleep tight Shane (sic)’

More: Shane Warne

In a statement on Friday afternoon, Shane’s management said: ‘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 is widely considered one of the best players in history, having taken a staggering 708 wickets in 145 Test matches.

He was a key member in one of the greatest teams in history, with Australia dominating the sport for much of his 15-year international career.

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MORE : Australia cricket legend Shane Warne dies aged 52 after suspected heart attack