Wayne Mardle is a huge part of darts coverage on Sky Sports (Picture: Getty Images)
The World Darts Championship begun with tragic news on Sunday as the death of Donna Mardle, wife of Sky Sports commentator Wayne, was announced.
Wayne Mardle has been a big part of Sky Sports coverage of darts for years after his playing career came to an end.
Donna and Wayne celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary in April this year and her tragic death earlier this week was confirmed on the Sky Sports coverage.
Presenter Emma Paton said: ‘If you are a regular viewer of Sky Sports Darts you will notice that Wayne isn’t here with us this evening.
‘Wayne is the heart and soul of everything we do at Sky Sprots Darts but the heart of his world, his wonderful wife Donna, sadly passed away earlier this week after a short illness.
‘We will be remembering Donna throughout this tournament. Wayne, you’re in our thoughts, in our hearts, we love you very much and we’ll see you very soon.’
A message from the Professional Darts Corporation read: ‘All our thoughts and condolences are with Wayne Mardle and his family, after the passing of his wife Donna earlier this week.’
The terrible news of Mardle’s death was announced on Sunday (Picture: PDC)
Sky Sports Darts posted: ‘Sky Sports would like to send their thoughts, prayers and condolences to our commentator Wayne Mardle, following the passing of his wife Donna earlier this week.
Darts legend Phil Taylor posted on social media: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of Donna Mardle thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.’
Wayne Mardle first commentated for Sky Sports in 2011 (Picture: Getty Images)
More to follow…