Ed Sheeran Shares Touching Tribute To 'A Gentleman' Shane Warne: 'Absolutely Gutted'

Family, friends, and fans worldwide are in mourning over the unexpected passing of Shane Warne on Friday, March 4. 

Warne is one of the best bowlers in cricket, who claimed over 1000 international wickets after his first Test match back in 1992.

The late athlete is especially missed by his friend Ed Sheeran who took to his social media with a heartbroken message about his passing. 

Warne reportedly passed away at 52 after being found unmoving at his villa in Thailand. Paramedics could not revive the star and chalked his passing to a suspected heart attack.

Ed Sheeran took to his personal Instagram page to reveal that he spoke to Warne earlier this week regarding the anniversary of the renowned musical personality Michael Gudinksi's passing.

The "Thousand Nights" singer recalled that he and the record-breaking Australian sportsman had lifted their glasses in honor of Gudinksi's death.

Sheeran uploaded a photo of Warne and Gudinksi smiling warmly at a camera, writing that the world continues to take away incredible people in his captions. He continued:

“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."

The "Shape of You" singer praised Warne for dedicating many years of his life to bringing those around him joy.

Sheeran touched on their friendship and how deeply he is mourning his late friend, writing that he "was such an amazing friend to me. Il bloody miss you, mate. Absolutely gutted."

Many celebrity friends of the late cricket star also paid him tribute and recalled their fond memories. The Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger uploaded a monochrome photo of him to Twitter.

Jagger penned, "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."

Kylie Minogue took to Twitter to honor Warne, writing, "Vale Warney. Condolences to his family, friends, and fans. The one and only King of Spin, #ShaneWarne."

On February 20, Sheeran lost another dear friend, in the person of Jamal Edwards, to a sudden illness. The late star founded SBTV, which launched his friend's career.

The Blast disclosed that the "Shivers" singer paid Edwards a tribute on Instagram days later, explaining that he struggled to find the right words to say.

Sheeran wrote that the late 31-year-old was not just a brother to him, but he had a light that illuminated others without him ever asking for anything in return.

The "Thinking Out Loud" singer credited Edwards for the positive changes in his career and personal life, writing:

"A star's light shines for millions of years after they go, and his will continue to light up every dark moment, we are all witnessing his power. I would not be here without him, professionally and personally."

Sheeran noted that nothing will ever come close to who Edwards is, and he is full of gratitude for the opportunity to have existed within his orbit while he was alive. 

The passing of Sheeran's loved ones has him preparing for the unexpected in grand style with a crypt for him and likely his wife, Cherry Seaborn.

The Blast shared that the "Overpass Graffiti" singer announced he would be erecting a burial housing on his 16-acre Framlingham estate in the U.K.

Per the New York Post, the eco-friendly renovation is estimated at over 5 million dollars and includes a two-story private chapel and its crypt.

Sheeran's proposed construction includes a brick, timber, and concrete body vault with stained glass windows and an environmentally-friendly heat pump. 

Though the East Suffolk District Council has yet to approve the chambers officially, the council principal design conservation officer Robert Scrimgeour is okay with the proposed construction.

Scrimgeour expressed, "I have no concerns arising, and I maintain my previous view that I have no objection to this application."