Eric Bristow dies aged 60 following heart attack [Photo: Courtesy]

They say legends come and go.

Such is the case of five-time darts world champion Eric Bristow who passed away at the age of 60 following heart attack on Thursday evening.

Bristow was present at a promotional event in Liverpool ahead of the Premier League event at the Echo Arena where he spent time playing darts with the corporate VIP guests and enjoyed drinks before falling as he was walking towards his car to depart.

Bristow is a five-time world champio [Photo: Courtesy]

The news of his death was announced by the Professional Darts Corporation during Thursday night’s fixture, where those in attendance shouted in a unison creed saying, "There's only one Eric Bristow."

Speaking to The Mirror, his agent said, "It's devastating news for the whole family. This has come as a massive shock and we would appreciate some privacy at this time.

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"This is a huge loss to the sporting world and the world of darts. He is a legendary character."

Bristow in his early years [Photo: Courtesy]

The England international won his first title in 1980 at the age of 23. In 1989, he was awarded an MBE for services to sport and introduced to the Professional Darts Corporation hall of fame in 2005.

As a professional darts player, he competed in 23 world championships and manage to scoop more than 70 professional titles.

Peter Wright (R) was emotional after hearing the news and was consoled by Daryl Gurney (L) [Photo: Courtesy]

The Professional Darts Corporation was shocked with the demise of the 60-year-old London-born legend and released a statement to pay tribute to him.

The statement read: "The Professional Darts Corporation is deeply saddened to announce that five-time World Champion Eric Bristow MBE passed away on Thursday evening following a heart attack.

"Arguably the sport’s first superstar player, Bristow, 60, was World Champion five times between 1980-1986 and also won five World Masters titles during an outstanding career.

this photo is believed to have been taken on Thursday before his death [Photo: Courtesy]

"Bristow was one of the founder players when the PDC (then World Darts Council) was formed in 1993 as the sport's leading stars broke away from the British Darts Organisation.

"The 60-year-old was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2005 alongside great rival John Lowe, and since retiring from competition at the end of 2007 remained a popular figure on the exhibition circuit.

"Bristow also worked as a TV pundit and spotter for Sky Sports, was awarded the MBE for his services to sport in 1989 and appeared on ITV's "I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here" in 2012."

Bristow got married to Jane in 1989 and were blessed with two children, Louise in 1991 and James in 1993.

He worked with Sky Sports before he was fired for sexual abuse scandal comments [Photo: Courtesy]

He had worked for Sky Sports after retiring from darts, but was fired after his comments on sexual abuse scandal that has rocked football.

Two-time world champion Dennis Priestley also shared his feelings about Bristow’s death with a post o tweeter: "Absolutely devastated to be told earlier that my good friend Eric Bristow has passed away.

"We shared some great times together and I'm so saddened that we won't get to share anymore. Rest in peace old friend."

REST IN PEACE ERIC BRISTOW