After battling cancer for months, Ruth Strauss, the wife of former England captain and Director of Cricket, Andrew Strauss, has died at the age of 46. She was first diagnosed with the rare lung cancer in December 2017. Strauss had quit his role after compassionate leave in October this year.
In a statement, Andrew Strauss said, “It is with great sadness and immense grief that we have to announce that Ruth passed away today as a result of her rare lung cancer. Sam, Luca and I will miss her terribly.”
The statement, put out by England and Wales Cricket Board or the ECB on behalf of Strauss, read, “Anyone who has met Ruth will know how loving, caring and passionately protective she was of her family and it gives us huge comfort that she was in Australia, the land of her birth, surrounded by those who love her, in her final moments.
“We would like to send our heartfelt thanks to those that have helped with her treatment over the last 12 months, in particular the wonderful team at University College Hospital in London.”
They had two sons – Sam, 13, and Luca, 10 – after the couple got married in 2013. The statement also said that the family would soon launch a foundation to help others affected by cancer. Andrew Strauss said it gave the family huge comfort that his wife had died in Australia, the country of her birth.
Ruth’s death has sent the cricket world into mourning. Twitter has been replete with messages condoling her death.
Forget all this frippery about honours. So sad to hear of the passing of Ruth Strauss. All sympathies to Andrew, an honourable man, and the family.
— David Gower (@David215Gower) December 29, 2018
Really sad news about Ruth Strauss but can we stop this “lost a battle”narrative that so often accompanies death from cancer. This article explains whyhttps://t.co/224OSnggkH
— Ross Crombie (@RossCrombie) December 29, 2018
Heartbreaking news.
Ruth Strauss has passed away from a rare form of lung cancer.
Our thoughts are with Andrew, his two sons Sam and Luca, and all the family at this time. pic.twitter.com/vvOcdPkBvz
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) December 29, 2018
Just seeing the sad sad news about Ruth Strauss my thoughts & prays go out to Andrew his two lovely kids & the whole family…sometimes life is just not fair. #RIPRuth
— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) December 29, 2018
Everything is put into perspective though. Such sad news with the passing of Ruth Strauss. She was a wonderful lady and always had time for people. Thoughts are with Andrew and the boys x #RIPRuth
— matt maynard (@mattmaynard25) December 29, 2018
