Warne death of 'natural causes' as family mourn loss

Cricket superstar Shane Warne died of natural causes according to police in Thailand as his family lamented a "tragedy we will never come to terms with".

The legendary Australian leg-spinner died on the Thai holiday island of Koh Samui on Friday after being found unresponsive at a luxury villa.

Initial reports suggested the 52-year-old suffered a heart attack and autopsy results today confirmed he died of natural causes.

"Investigators received an autopsy report today in which a forensic doctor concludes the death was due to natural causes," Krissana Pattanacharoen, deputy national police spokesman, said in a statement.

He said Warne's family had been informed of the result and accepted it.

"Investigators will conclude the autopsy reports and send them to state prosecutor as soon as possible," Krissana added.

Surachate Hakparn, assistant to the national police chief, said investigators had found no signs of violence at the villa where Warne was found.

"His father said he (Warne) had been suffering chest pains and was planning to return home for a check-up after this trip," Surachate told reporters in Koh Samui.

Warne's unexpected death sparked an outpouring of grief from prime ministers, rock stars and fellow athletes.

The player -- one of the greatest Test cricketers of all time -- was found after failing to meet friends.

He was taken to the Thai International Hospital Samui but despite medical efforts he could not be revived.

Officials said his body will now be transported to Bangkok to be handed over to diplomats for repatriation to Australia, where he is to be honoured with a state funeral. In their first public comments since the death on Friday, Warne's parents, brother, children and ex-wife expressed deep sorrow, paying