Five-time darts world champion Eric Bristow has died aged 60 following a heart attack.
Known as the Crafty Cockney, Bristow had been at a promotion event in Liverpool on Thursday and passed away shortly afterwards.
In 2005, he was inducted into the Professional Darts Corporation hall of fame following being awarded an MBE for services to sport in 1989. He won his first BDO title in 1980 aged just 23.
His agent told The Mirror: "It's devastating news for the whole family. This has come as a massive shock and we would appreciate some privacy at this time.
"This is a huge loss to the sporting world and the world of darts. He is a legendary character."
The PDC described Bristow as arguably the sport's first superstar and paid tribute to his storied career.
A statement released by the PDC said: "The Professional Darts Corporation is deeply saddened to announce that five-time World Champion Eric Bristow MBE passed away on Thursday evening following a heart attack.
"Arguably the sport’s first superstar player, Bristow, 60, was World Champion five times between 1980-1986 and also won five World Masters titles during an outstanding career.
"Bristow was one of the founder players when the PDC (then World Darts Council) was formed in 1993 as the sport's leading stars broke away from the British Darts Organisation.
"The 60-year-old was inducted into the PDC 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."
East Londoner Bristow was widely regaled as one of the sport's first bona-fide superstars, and after relocating to Staffordshire played a major role in the development of 16-time world champion Phil Taylor.
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.”
