Iconic darts commentator and sports broadcaster Nigel Pearson has passed away at the age of 52.
Nigel had commentated on darts for more than 15 years after joining the Sky Sports team in 2006 and became an unmistakable voice at the sport’s most prestigious events.
He has also presented Sky Sports’ darts coverage and joined the PDC commentary team for European Tour, Players Championship and Women’s Series events in 2022.
Nigel was also a vastly experienced speedway presenter and commentator and also covered football extensively on the radio for talkSPORT.
He also worked with British Speedway as media officer and was a big fan of West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
Alongside the great Sid Waddell, Nigel was famously on hand to call in Raymond van Barneveld’s historic first nine-dart finish at the PDC World Championship in 2009.
A hugely popular and respected figure amongst colleagues, players and fans, Nigel’s distinctive voice and passion for the sports he covered shone through.
Tributes have poured in across social media after Nigel sadly passed away suddenly on Friday. We send our sincere condolences to his friends and family at this time.
Incredibly sad and shocking to hear of the passing of Nigel Pearson. Another taken far too young. Thoughts are with his loved ones and friends.
Rest in peace https://t.co/7ZK9x6ywqA— Raymond van Barneveld (@Raybar180) April 15, 2022
An insight into the fun he had when he worked. Thanks to @mattgubbins for taking this a few years back.
We loved doing #DartsOnTheRadio together and he was there from day one. #RIPNigelPearson @talkSPORT @talkSPORT2 🎯 pic.twitter.com/pg7IztDVe4— Paul “The Asset” Nicholson (@TheAsset180) April 15, 2022
Can’t take it in. Farewell Nigel Pearson, commentating colleague, a good friend. Deepest condolences to Kerrie, the boys and Nigel’s closest friends. #RIP
— John Gwynne (@OnlyJohnGwynne) April 15, 2022
Very sad news. Nigel could always make me laugh in post match interviews. My thought are with Nigel’s family at this difficult time 💔 https://t.co/rYQ7Zju2TF
— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) April 15, 2022
Awful news today about my good friend Nigel Pearson. A great guy who was so much fun to be around. My thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time. Rip mate will miss you
— Mark Webster (@Webby180) April 15, 2022
I’m heartbroken 💔
Nigel Pearson has so sadly just passed away. Just the most beautiful soul, full of laughs and character.
Thoughts with Kerrie and the family at this time
Nige was the best of us and I owe him so so much. Miss you mate xxxxx pic.twitter.com/Auv5ICpEqc
— Ian Danter (@talkdants) April 15, 2022
Devastated. Nige was one of the first members of the @skysportsdarts family I met and he couldn’t have made me feel more welcome. Love you Nige, you will be so missed. Sending love and strength to your family ❤️ https://t.co/731pAQzgJd
— Emma Paton (@MissEmmaPaton) April 15, 2022
Shocked and saddened of the passing of Nigel Pearson great guy great commentator will be deeply missed my thoughts are with all his family and friends
— Gerwyn Price (@Gezzyprice) April 15, 2022
So I once managed to teach you something in exchange for the many, many things you taught me.
So many laughs and a lifetime of memories.……Rest well Nige ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6Ty1PNmUta
— Devon Petersen (@devon_petersen) April 15, 2022
Such terrible news sending love to his family at this sad time Rip Nigel 😢 https://t.co/iqhxdCBoLx
— Gary Anderson (@GaryAnderson180) April 15, 2022
RIP Nigel you will be missed . Thoughts are with your family at this sad time.
— James Wade (@JamesWade180) April 15, 2022
In disbelief at the news that Nigel Pearson has passed away. A great guy who always had words of encouragement for me. You'll be missed mate. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Nigel https://t.co/OhGoe2nu8A
— John Henderson (@hendo180) April 15, 2022
Such sad news today rest up Nigel it was a pleasure to have known and met you
— Daryl Gurney (@Superchin180) April 15, 2022