Stars pay tribute after cricketer Shane Warne dies aged 52

Stars have paid tribute after the death of cricketer Shane Warne.

The Australian cricketer passed away at the age of 52.

According to Fox Sports, his management released a statement saying he was found in his villa in Koh Samui, Thailand after a suspected heart attack.

“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived," it said.

Footballer Gary Lineker was among those to express his shock.

Read more: On this day in 2006: Shane Warne becomes first bowler to take 700 Test wickets

“Terribly saddened and shocked to hear the news that Shane Warne has died,” he tweeted.

“The greatest spin bowler of all time. Can’t quite believe it. RIP Shane.”

Piers Morgan said he was "devastated".

"Absolutely devastated to hear that ⁦@ShaneWarne has died from a heart attack aged just 52," he tweeted.

"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."

Rugby legend Brian Moore posted: “Absolutely floored by the news that Shane Warne has died of a heart attack.

"RIP to one of cricket's finest ever players.”

BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker tweeted: "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."

X-Men actor Hugh Jackman tweeted: "Like you all I am in shock to wake to the news that @ShaneWarne had passed away. I’m grateful to have known him, and to have witnessed his once in a generation talent.

"My heartfelt sympathies to his family and close friends at this incredibly difficult time.

"Rest well Shane."

Footballer Stan Collymoore said it was "truly awful news".

"Rest in peace Ledge," he added.

Cricket star Shoaib Akhtar posted: "Just heard the devastating news about legendary Shane Warne passing away.

"No words to describe how shocked & sad I am.

"What a legend. What a man. What a cricketer."

Jemima Goldsmith, who was close friends with Warne, tweeted: “Devastating, shocking news about Shane Warne.

"A sporting hero for so many, inc my sons.

"And a giant-hearted friend.”

India captain Rohit Sharma tweeted: “I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad.

"An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us.

“RIP Shane Warne… still can’t believe it."

Pakistan great Waqar Younis tweeted: “Shane Warne no more.. I’m Shocked and Shattered.

“Simply can’t believe I’m hearing this."

Younis said it was a "very very sad day" for the cricket community.

"The biggest superstar of my generation gone," he wrote.

“Goodbye Legend @ShaneWarne #RIP Condolences to the family and friends.”

Aussie star Jason Donovan said he was "gutted".

Sharing a picture of Warne, he tweeted: "Legend! Lovely guy. Gutted. One of the great Australians. Thoughts with his family."

Father-of-three Warne was one of the most successful cricketers of all time, taking 708 Test wickets across a 15-year career.

He was once engaged to Elizabeth Hurley.

Warne's last tweet was just a day ago, when he paid tribute to cricketer Rod Marsh after his death at 74.

"He was a legend of our great game & an inspiration to so many young boys & girls," he wrote.

"Rod cared deeply about cricket & gave so much-especially to Australia & England players. Sending lots & lots of love to Ros & the family. RIP mate."

Watch: Shane Warne isolates himself after testing positive for COVID