Darts rocked by tragic death of world champion Andy Fordham at 59
The sporting world is mourning the tragic death of darts icon Andy Fordham at 59.
The British Darts Organisation announced the devastating news on Thursday.
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“The British Darts Organisation are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of the darts legend Andy (The Viking) Fordham, a true gentleman of the game who will deeply missed by all," the BDO said.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Fordham required a life-saving bowel operation in 2020 and was diagnosed with Covid-19 at the start of this year.
According to The Sun, Fordham died in hospital on Thursday morning after suffering major organ failure.
Fordham stunned the world in 2004 with a thrilling 6-3 win over Mervyn King in the BDO World Championship final.
Doctors told him in 2007 that his liver was 75 per cent dead, which saw him enrol on reality TV show 'Celebrity Fit Club'.
He joined the Professional Darts Corporation in 2009, later returning to the BDO and qualifying for the Grand Slam of Darts in 2015.
Darts world rocked by death of Andy Fordham
Fellow darts star Adrian Lewis paid tribute to Fordham on Twitter, saying: “Sad to hear the passing of a legend Andy Fordham. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Former darts player and ex-BBC pundit Bobby George added: “Just heard the devastating news that Andy Fordham has passed away.
“He was a gentle giant and loved by all. Our condolences go out to his wife Jenny, family and friends. RIP Andy Fordham, The Viking.”
Glen Durrant posted a photo of himself and Fordham writing: "RIP Andy Fordham #Legend."
Chris Dobey also posted a selfie with Fordham with the caption: "Absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of this Legend, it was an absolute pleasure to have worked and shared a stage with a true gent.
"Will be such a miss to all involved with darts. RIP Andy Fordham."
While Steve Beaton wrote: "So very saddened to hear of the passing away of Andy Fordham.
"Not only a great friend but a sporting legend who I had the pleasure of knowing for many a year.
"Our thoughts are with Jenny and the family. RIP my friend."
Absolutely devasted to hear the news that Andy Fordham has passed away,a darting legend and one of the nicest guys on the planet,thoughts are with the family at this time.. RIP Andy
— Kevin Painter (@OfficialKP180) July 15, 2021
Sad to hear the passing of a legend Andy Fordham our thoughts are with his family
— Adrian Lewis (@jackpot180) July 15, 2021
I’m very sorry to hear about Andy Fordham, he was always nice to me and good fun to be around, my sympathy to his wife Jenny and family 🥲🌹
— Fallon Sherrock (@Fsherrock) July 15, 2021
Just heard the devastating news that Andy Fordham has passed away. He was a gentle giant and loved by all. Our condolences go out to his wife Jenny family and friends. RIP ANDY FORDHAM THE VIKING. pic.twitter.com/GvJqVp9x6J
— Bobby George (@BobbyGeorge180) July 15, 2021
God bless my friend Andy Fordham. What a pleasure it was been your friend and spending time with you. Thoughts are with his family. Cheers Hamlet
— James Wade (@JamesWade180) July 15, 2021
Absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of this Legend, it was an absolute pleasure to have worked and shared a stage with a true gent. Will be such a miss to all involved with darts. RIP Andy Fordham 💙 pic.twitter.com/xnN580Ag0g
— Chris Dobey (@Dobey10) July 15, 2021
RIP Andy Fordham #Legend pic.twitter.com/YJZBLvo9uD
— Glen Durrant (@Duzza180) July 15, 2021
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former World Champion Andy Fordham at the age of 59.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/WHyqqYafL5— Live Darts (@livedarts) July 15, 2021
So very saddened to hear of the passing away of Andy Fordham.
Not only a great friend but a sporting legend who I had the pleasure of knowing for many a year.
Our thoughts are with Jenny and the family. RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/kmMlYhVeVh— Stevebeaton (@Stevebeaton180) July 15, 2021
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