Darts player Eric Bristow dies aged 60

Five-time World Champion Eric Bristow MBE passed away tonight April 5th after he suffered a heart attack aged 60.

Bristow was world champion five times from 1980 to 1986 and won five world masters titles during his darts career.

The 60-year-old was inducted into the PDC (Professional Darts Council) Hall of Fame in 2005 alongside great rival John Lowe, and since retiring from competition at the end of 2007 remained a popular figure on the exhibition circuit.

Bristow also worked as a TV pundit and spotter for Sky Sports, was awarded the MBE for his services to sport in 1989 and appeared on ITV’s “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here” in 2012.

In 1989, he married Jane Bristow with whom he had two children, Louise in 1991 and James in 1993.

PDC Chairman Barry Hearn led the tributes to Bristow, stating: “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.”