THE Professional Darts Corporation sends its condolences to the family and friends of James Barton, who passed away suddenly on Friday (May 31).
The Bradford-based thrower has competed on the PDC circuit for 15 years, including making four UK Open appearances between 2004-2009.
He had competed in the 2019 PDC Qualifying School without winning a Tour Card, and was in action on the PDC Unicorn Challenge Tour during May.
Barton was a quarter-finalist in Challenge Tour Event Seven, before losing out to Mark Walsh, securing his best finish in a PDC event in the process.
Joe Cullen on Twitter
Absolutely devastated to answer the phone this morning to the news that my friend James Barton ‘odd job’ has passed away suddenly last night. 38 is no age at all. He was my roommate when I first started playing. Horrible news!!
— Joe Cullen (@rockstar_13_) June 1, 2019
Will miss you mate!! ?
Darren Johnson on Twitter
Yorkshire have lost one of its finest, fly high James Barton. We will never forget you. You will live on in all of us.
— Darren Johnson (@DynamiteDJ180) June 1, 2019