THE Professional Darts Corporation would like to express their sadness at the death of players' marshal Eddie Cox on Wednesday.
Eddie, 51, worked as a marker with the original World Darts Council and moved into the role of players' marshal in 2002, succeeding the late Bobby Bourn.
In addition to his role looking after the needs of players at televised tournaments, he also worked as a scoring official on the PDC Pro Tour.
The husband of Val, a father to Natalie, Adele, Thomas and James and the brother of Tommy Cox, the PDC Tournament Director, Eddie passed away suddenly on Wednesday.
"The thoughts of all staff and officials at the Professional Darts Corporation are with Val and Eddie's family at this time," said PDC Chief Executive Matthew Porter.
"Eddie was a friend to all - staff and players alike - and a valued and respected member of the PDC team who made a large contribution to the organisation since its formation in 1994.
"Eddie will be fondly remembered by us all, and especially so at Alexandra Palace over the next fortnight."
PDC World Champion John Part said: "I knew Eddie for many years and he was a true gentleman. He was very good to us as players and almost like one of us - he understood us.
"He was very good at his job and it was as if relating to us came naturally to him.
"When he succeeded Bobby Bourn as players' marshall he continued a legacy but also created his own legacy at the same time, which is an honour to him.
"Eddie will be missed by all the players."
His funeral will be held at 2.15pm on Tuesday December 23 at the Preston Cemetery, Walton Avenue, North Shields, and friends are welcome afterwards at the Cannon Inn, Coast Road, Billy Mill, North Shields.
Flowers are requested to be sent to the funeral directors, E Turnbull & Son, Albion Road, North Shields, NE29 0HE.