Popular snooker player and commentator Willie Thorne has sadly passed away at the age of 66 after a short battle with leukaemia.
Thorne had been in hospital in Spain, where he suffered respiratory failure.
The news was confirmed on the Englishman's Go Fund Me page by his carer, Julie O'Neill.
"It is with a very heavy and broken heart that I have to officially announce that at 1.55am this morning Willie Thorne lost his battle and passed away!
"Willie went into septic shock and was not responding to any treatment so the decision was made by the hospital to turn off the machines.
"He passed away very peacefully and without pain listening to his children saying they love him that gives me some comfort in this difficult time.
"Thank you so very much to everyone that has been involved in Willies care you have all been absolutely amazing and Willie couldn’t have asked for better.
"Thank you for all the donations that enabled him to get the care he needed!
"This will now pay for his funeral.
"Thank you for all the well wishes and beautiful messages of support xxx."
One of the game's engaging personalities that helped amplify snooker's appeal to the masses during its heyday, Willie Thorne was known on the snooker circuit as 'Mr. Maximum' - for his ability to construct 147 breaks at the table.
He won the Mercantile Credit Classic in 1985 and reached two World Championship quarter-finals in 1982 and 1986 before moving to the commentary box.
Thorne was from Leicester, and his close friend and fellow Leicester native Gary Lineker tweeted his tribute.
Deeply, deeply saddened to hear that my friend Willie Thorne has passed away. One of life’s great characters. A marvellous snooker player and a lovely man, who’s potted his final black much too soon. RIP Willie.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) June 17, 2020
May he rest in peace.
