‘Devastated’: Jane, Dean Jones’ wife, talks about the tragic loss of her family

Dean Jones’s wife, Jane, opened up about her husband’s sudden death, which shook the sports world on Thursday.

Jones died of cardiac arrest at the age of 59 at a Mumbai hotel while working in India as an announcer for the Indian Premier League.

In a statement provided through the Melbourne Cricket Club, Jane expressed her gratitude for the immense support her family has received in the aftermath of the tragic loss. Jane and Dean were married for 34 years.

“My daughters and I are devastated and saddened beyond belief to learn of Dean’s death in India. My beautiful husband, the love of my life, has lived his life with all the energy at his disposal, and he leaves a Huge void in our lives that can never be filled, “said Jane.

“He leaves us with so many wonderful memories that will last forever. In this challenging time, when our pain is so raw, we have received much comfort from the many messages of goodwill and support from so many people around the world.

“Given Dean’s special love for the subcontinent, it was especially moving to hear so widely from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. We are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the response to the news of his death and will be forever grateful for it.

“At this time, we sincerely ask the world of cricket to respect the privacy of our family. Details of Dean’s memorial celebration will be released in due course, so that everyone has the opportunity to properly commemorate his wonderful legacy and say gooobye”.

The Australian High Commission in India is reportedly helping Jones’ family return his body to Melbourne.

Jane also thanked former Australian bowler Brett Lee, who performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Jones, reviving the Victorian style twice before his death. Lee reportedly broke the devastating news to Jane.

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews paid his respects to Jones at his Covid-19 press conference on Friday, suggesting the possibility of a state funeral.

“I think all Victorians are sad to see such a great Victorian lost to us so young. Dean Jones was not only a great cricketer, but a great person,” Andrews said.

“I had the opportunity to meet him and always found him to be an absolutely fantastic Victorian and I want to extend on behalf of all Victorians our condolences and best wishes, our love and support to the entire Dean Jones family and of course to all of his many , many fans.

“We have lost a great Victorian and we all regret that loss.”

Jones’s daughter Phoebe shared a sweet tribute to her father and thanked Lee for his attempts in a social media post.

“We are broken,” Phoebe wrote.

“Our family is eternally grateful to @ brettlee_58 for doing all he could.

“We are overwhelmed with his kind words, support and tributes. His legacy will live on in every life he touched. I keep looking at my phone waiting for him to call me and tell me this is just a bad dream.”

Phoebe’s close relationship with her father is evident in several other posts, including recently when access between them was restricted by Victoria’s Covid lockdown.

Jones’ other daughter, Isabella, also paid tribute to her late father on social media: “My heart is broken. My dad. My hero. The sweetest, most caring person you will ever meet.

“If only you could see now how many lives you have touched. If only you could see now how loved you were. You held my hand in the most difficult times this year, how will I do this without you? The heavens have opened their doors for another Angel. Wait for me dad. Everything I do is for you. I love you dad. “

Jones observed a minute’s silence before the first women’s T20 match between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday afternoon.