Darts Legend Eric Bristow Has Died Aged 60

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Five-time world darts champion Eric Bristow has died today aged 60 following a heart attack.

Bristow became world champion five times between 1980 and 1986 also winning five World Masters titles.

He was a founder player when the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) was formed in 1993.

The sportsman was at the Echo Arena in Liverpool enjoying the latest night of action of Premier League Darts when he was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack.

The PDC announced the news this evening, April 5, releasing a full statement on their website.

PDC Chairman Barry Hearn wrote:

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.

Arguably one of darts’ first ever superstar players, Bristow, who was known as the ‘Crafty Cockney’, was awarded an MBE for his services to the sport in 1989.

Later on in his career he worked as a television pundit before appearing on ITV‘s popular reality television show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here in 2012, finishing fourth out of 12 celebrities.

He was also the subject of a film made by Scottish filmmaker John Samson entitled Arrows and played himself in the 2002 movie Heartlands.

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Tributes have been pouring in for Bristow on social media as both fans and those from the sporting world remember the legend.

Two-time world champion Dennis Priestley wrote on Twitter:

Absolutely devastated to be told earlier that my good friend Eric Bristow has passed away.

We shared some great times together and I’m so saddened that we won’t get to share anymore.

Rest in peace old friend.

PDC chief executive Matthew Porter tweeted how he’d been with Bristow at the arena earlier, writing:

Awful evening here in Liverpool. Was with Eric earlier and he was in great spirits.

A massive character. RIP.

Two-time world champion Michael Van Gerwen also paid his respects, taking to Twitter to say:

Just heard the latest horrible news that Eric Bristow has passed away.

My thoughts are with his family at this sad time. True legend in the game!

Premier League Darts player Simon ‘The Wizard’ Whitlock also honoured Bristow writing:

Shocked and saddened to hear the news about a true legend of the sport I love.

RIP Eric Bristow. Thanks for everything you did for darts.

Thoughts are with Eric’s family and friends.

As news of Bristow’s death reached the audience at the arena, the crowd began singing ‘there’s only one Eric Bristow’ in a tearful tribute:

He’s survived by his wife Jane and two children.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Rest in peace Eric. You’ll always be remembered as a darts legend.

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