ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Darts Legend Eric Bristow Dies, Aged 60

Darts Legend Eric Bristow Dies, Aged 60

The 'Crafty Cockney' passed away after suffering a heart attack

Mike Vaughan

Mike Vaughan

Five-time darts world champion Eric Bristow MBE has tragically died from a heart attack at the age of 60.

The Profesional Darts Corporation (PDC) announced the news, with chairman Barry Hearn adding: "Eric will always be a legend in the world of darts and British sport.

"He was a tremendous player and a huge character and even after his retirement fans would travel for miles to meet him and see him play.

"Eric was never afraid of controversy, but he spoke as he found and was honest and straightforward which is what people admired about him.

"The PDC, and the sport of darts, will miss him."

PA

Born in 1957, Bristow joined the ranks of the British Darts Organisation (BDO) in 1976, going on to win his first World Masters the following year, and the World Championship for the first time in 1980.

He became a record holder in 1990 as he was ranked World No. 1 by the World Darts Federation for the sixth time (following previous rankings in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1985).

Among his 22 WDF and BDO titles were five World Championships and five World Masters, as his 'Crafty Cockney' personality helped turn darts in a TV spectator sport in the 1980s.

PA

In 1993, Bristow was among the 16 darts professionals who moved away from the BDO to form the PDC, where he played until his final appearance at the organisation's World Championship in 2000.

His achievements were recognised in 1989 when he was awarded an MBE for his services to sport, and he also worked as a TV pundit at Sky Sports before being sacked in November 2016 following ill-advised comments regarding the football sexual abuse scandal, in which he suggested victims were not 'proper men'.

Bristow went on to apologise for his comments, adding that he 'appreciated [his] wording was wrong and offended many people'.

His passing has been mourned by many on Twitter, from fellow players to fans to celebrities:

He is survived by his daughter Louise and son James.

RIP.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: uk news, Celebrity

Choose your content: