16 October 2023 , 17:20
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Darts player Toon Greebe has died at the age of 35.
The Dutchman's passing was confirmed on Monday after suffering with serious health issues in recent years. He had his right foot amputated in 2017 following an infection before having the lower part of his left leg amputated at the end of last year.
Greebe competed in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the World Darts Federation (WDF) and the now-defunct British Darts Organisation (BDO) during his 16-year professional career. The PDC and WDF are among those to pay tribute to him.
Greebe never won a major event but defeated some of darts' biggest names during his career, including close friend Michael van Gerwen and 2014 BDO World Championship winner Stephen Bunting. He also twice qualified for the PDC World Championship.
The PDC said they were "saddened to learn" of Greebe's death and described the man from Den Bosch as a "popular figure on the circuit". They added: "The PDC sends its condolences to the family and friends of Toon at this difficult time."
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Greebe was rated highly at the beginning of his career and participated in some of the PDC's biggest events. "I am a fighter, I have climbed out of deeper valleys," he said after his first amputation in 2017 - remarkably winning the WDF's Polish Open two years later.
The WDF posted on X: "The WDF are saddened to learn of the passing of the 2019 Polish Open champion Toon Greebe. On behalf of everyone at the WDF, we extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Toon's friends and family at this difficult time."
Michael van Gerwen once lost to Greebe (Getty Images)Write your tribute to Toon Greebe in the comments below
As reported by Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad, Greebe suffered from diabetes and kidney problems. Fans have paid tribute to the darts star on social media. One described him as a "great talent", while another wrote: "Thoughts are with his family and friends."
Darts players have also offered their condolences to Greebe's loved ones. Paul Nicholson, who won the Players Championship in 2010, wrote on X: "Desperately sad day for all who knew Toon. I'll remember his sense of humour most of all. RIP dude."
Fellow darts player Ryan Palmer added: "Very sad news! Played (against) Toon a couple of times, RIP Toon."
One fan responding to Nicolson's tribute replied: "So sad. I met him a couple of times at pro tours and he was such a lovely young man."
The Dutch Darts Association wrote on X: "We have received the sad news that former Dutch team player Toon Greebe passed away on Monday morning at the age of 35. We wish his family and friends a lot of strength in this difficult time."