Wayne Mardle's wife dies on eve of World Darts Championship as Sky Sports pay tribute
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Darts legend Wayne Mardle's wife Donna has sadly passed away with Sky Sports paying tribute to "the heart and soul" of their coverage of the sport. A statement from the PDC read: "All our thoughts and condolences are with Wayne Mardle and his family, after the passing of his wife Donna earlier this week.".
Mardle is a key component of Sky Sports' coverage of darts and before the opening match of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, host Emma Paton paid an emotional tribute - confirming he would not be in attendance. And it is expected he will miss the entire tournament on compassionate leave.
"If you're a regular viewer of Sky Sports Darts, you will notice that Wayne isn't with us this evening," Emma Paton said. "Wayne is the heart and soul of everything we do at Sky Sports 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 the tournament, Wayne you are in our thoughts, you are in our hearts and we love you very much. We will see you soon.". Record-breaking, 16-times world champion Taylor led the tributes to Donna last night, tweeting: “So sad to hear of the passing of Donna Mardle, thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.”.
Mardle was a four-time semi finalist during his playing career before becoming a much loved member of the broadcasting team. His commentary on the world final between Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith went down in folklore. After both players were on a nine-dart finish, only for Smith to achieve the feat, he simply shouted: "I CAN'T SPAKE, I CAN'T SPAKE!".
