Andy Fordham, the former world champion in darts, seemed unrecognizable in the final photo he published online before his tragic death. In October 2020, Fordham shared a photo with his wife, Jenny, as they celebrated their anniversary and seemed to be in good health.
At his heaviest, “The Viking” weighed 31 stone and had a lengthy history of health problems.
He once dropped almost 17 stone by entirely abstaining from alcohol to solve this problem. Fordham died at home on Thursday morning, surrounded by his wife. Earlier today, the BDO issued a post on its Facebook page announcing the tragic news.
“The British Darts Organisation is extremely sorry to learn of the death of darts icon Andy (The Viking) Fordham, a genuine gentleman of the game who all will sorely miss,” the statement said.
“At this time, our hearts and sympathies are with his family.”
Fordham, who had to have a life-saving intestinal operation in 2020 and was diagnosed with coronavirus at the beginning of this year, made headlines in 2004 when he beat Mervyn King 6-3 in the BDO World Championship final at Lakeside. Fordham participated in the reality TV show Celebrity Fit Club and joined the Professional Darts Corporation in 2009 after a health crisis in 2007 when doctors informed him his liver was 75% dead.
The Bristol-born darts player eventually returned to the BDO and qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts in 2015, when he defeated Wayne Jones in his first televised victory in ten years.
“Sad to hear the loss of a legend Andy Fordham,” Adrian Lewis, who had also battled Fordham in that tournament, said on Twitter. His family is in our thoughts.” “Just got the terrible news that Andy Fordham has died away,” Bobby George, a former darts player, and the ex-BBC analyst, said.
“He was a gentle giant who everyone adored.” We send our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Jenny, family, and friends. Andy Fordham, The Viking, rest in peace.”
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