Australian darts star Kyle Anderson has passed away at the age of 33. Anderson proved a trailblazer for the sport…
Australian star Kyle Anderson passes away aged 33
Australian darts star Kyle Anderson has passed away at the age of 33.
Anderson proved a trailblazer for the sport as Australia’s first Aboriginal professional darts player when he progressed through PDC Qualifying School and moved to the UK in 2014.
The Perth ace followed and lived his darting dream, hitting two televised nine-darters and picking up the Auckland Masters title in 2017.
Anderson relinquished his PDC Tour Card in January 2020 and returned to live with his family in Australia.
It was announced on Tuesday morning that he had passed away.
His breakthrough came at the 2012 Oceanic Masters when he claimed the title to qualify for a debut World Championship appearance later that year.
After winning seven events on the DPA circuit the following year to top the Order of Merit, Anderson returned to Alexandra Palace and exploded into life with a sensational nine-dart finish against Ian White.
His Q School mission a month later was completed on the first day as he secured his Tour Card and settled in Nottingham.
After reaching two major televised Quarter-Finals, ‘The Original’ broke into the top 32 on the PDC Order of Merit for the first time in 2016.
A year later, his career-defining moment came at the Auckland Masters on the World Series just a week after winning his first ranking title at Players Championship 17.
Wins over Gary Anderson, Simon Whitlock, James Wade and Corey Cadby saw him clinch glory in front of the TV cameras for the first time.
A second televised nine-darter followed just months later at the European Championship as he reached the Semi-Finals before losing out to Michael van Gerwen in a thrilling last-leg decider.
Anderson continued to compete on the circuit in 2018 and 2019 , reaching the Third Round of the World Championship for the first time in his penultimate appearance.
A proud family man, Anderson returned to Queensland at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic last March and welcomed the birth of his second child.
He relinquished his Tour Card as world number 60 in February 2021 and said: “I have had a great seven years in the PDC but I have a new child on the way next month, so it’s only fair that I give my Tour Card up so that another rising star can try to achieve their dream.”
Anderson was a hugely popular figure among players and fans alike, and tributes have poured in across social media.
Gutted and devastated doesn’t even describe the news I have woken up to this morning.
I’m going to smile today and remember all the poxy jokes and laughter we have had over the years brother.
Love you @KyleDarts rest easy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/HmZoz6Ribz
— Damon Heta (@DamonHeta180) August 24, 2021
Devastated to hear the news of Kyle Anderson passing away, sending our sincere condolences to Kyle's wife and children and all of their family
— Adrian Lewis (@jackpot180) August 24, 2021
A lovely man and always fun to be with, very sorry to hear about Kyle. We had many great games and a fantastic player. A credit to Australian and world darts. RIP mate. 🙏🌹 pic.twitter.com/1tpS9U5HZY
— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) August 24, 2021
Such an inspiration to others I cant believe it sending our love & support to your family & friends. You was one of the nicest guys in darts & we will all miss you! Rip cuz @KyleDarts
— Gary Anderson (@GaryAnderson180) August 24, 2021
Stunned
RIP Kyle Anderson
A wake up call to us all, live life to the full
Fly high mate pic.twitter.com/RMEZh9PvcF
— Glen Durrant (@Duzza180) August 24, 2021
Absolutely gutted hearing the news this morning. RIP Kyle Anderson. The darts world hasn’t been the same with you not around brother. You always made me laugh every time we met. Never a dull moment with you around. We are all gonna miss you mate. Xx 😢 pic.twitter.com/9C2etqmNII
— Stephen Bunting (@sbunting180) August 24, 2021
Absolutely guttered to wake up with the news off the passing of Kyle Anderson.
A fantastic dart player and an even nicer bloke.
You will be missed my friend pic.twitter.com/oa51FqkajN
— Nathan Aspinall (@NathanAspi) August 24, 2021
I am absolutely devastated to hear Kyle Anderson has passed away. A nicer person you could not wish to meet. A lovely man and good https://t.co/ihc4w1CN0y thoughts are with his young family,,,RIP bud,,,so so sad😞
— Russ Bray (@Russ180) August 24, 2021
RIP Kyle Anderson. Devastating news. Condolences go out to family and friends. Another sad day for the #dartsworld
— Bobby George (@BobbyGeorge180) August 24, 2021
Awful news about Kyle Anderson. A great guy who made massive sacrifices to pursue his dream. Rip mate
— Mark Webster (@Webby180) August 24, 2021
Absolutely gutted to wake up to the news of Kyle Anderson passing 💔 Like everyone who met him we hit it off right away. Such an easy going and likeable guy.
— Matthew Edgar (@theedgar501) August 24, 2021
Such sad news to hear of the passing of Kyle Anderson, a lovely man and a gentleman, our thoughts are with his family.
— Dave Chisnall (@ChizzyChisnall) August 24, 2021
What terrible news to wake up to what a nice friendly man. @KyleDarts RIP pal.
Thoughts go to all your family.— Phil Taylor (@PhilTaylor) August 24, 2021
Absolutely gutted to wake up to the awful news that darts has lost Kyle!! I’d not heard from him for a few months , then just out of the blue he messages me to say ‘Happy Father’s Day brother!’ 😢
Just sums him up….. a selfless , humble guy who we’ll all miss! 💔🎯
— Joe Cullen (@rockstar_13_) August 24, 2021
My family ❤️ my brother ❤️ my best mate ❤️ today the world stood still for me.. i will always love you ! May we meet again pic.twitter.com/cXql8rADSQ
— Kim Huybrechts🇧🇪 (@KimHuybrechts) August 24, 2021
Devastated to wake up to the news this morning of Kyle passing away.
He will be missed by all. Kyle was a great funny guy. Always made me laugh!
Sending thoughts to all your family. pic.twitter.com/E0TkeB8HyL— James Wade (@JamesWade180) August 24, 2021
— Mac Elkin (@macelkin180) August 24, 2021
So sad to hear the awful news of Kyle Anderson passing away. One of the nicest blokes you’ll ever meet. Our thoughts are with his family on such a sad day. RIP my friend
— Stevebeaton (@Stevebeaton180) August 24, 2021
So sad to hear the shocking news that Kyle Anderson has passed away. Such a talented and great young man. My thoughts go out to all Kyle’s family and friends at this terrible time #ripkyleanderson
— Dennis Priestley (@denpriestley180) August 24, 2021
Moe mai ra brother😥
Inspirational to so many. pic.twitter.com/BjsVui6O6q— Haupaipuha.com (@HaupaiPuha) August 24, 2021
When working in Queensland, Australia, three-and-a-half years ago, there was no more a welcoming, kind-hearted, friendly person than Kyle Anderson. Of course, he was also a top drawer darts player. It was so hurtful to hear on the news of his passing at the tender age of 33. #RIP
— John Gwynne (@OnlyJohnGwynne) August 24, 2021
Gonna miss you Kyle. I really can’t believe you’re gone.
Thank you for all the times you cheered me up, and what you did for all of us. Your darting legacy will live forever.
Australia, and the world, salutes you. 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/XCyWikJWkQ— Paul “The Asset” Nicholson (@TheAsset180) August 24, 2021
Totally gutted to wake to the terrible news about Kyle. Not only a brilliant player but a very nice man. Many times I played against him and loved playing with him. You will be missed Kyle but never forgotten – tragic 🥲🌹🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/TgYJdGHKxE
— Simon Whitlock (@SWhitlock180) August 24, 2021
Such awful news. Kyle was an incredible guy and an inspiration to us all. My deepest condolences to his family. Sleep well my friend. pic.twitter.com/t1SkLyIDA0
— Rob Cross (@RobCross180) August 24, 2021