THE Professional Darts Corporation send their condolences to the family of Rick Lowther, who passed away following a heart attack on Sunday.
Rick, from Waterlooville in Hampshire, joined the PDPA in June 2009 and had been a regular on the PDC ProTour since last October.
He had reached the last 16 of a Players Championship in Crawley in March, his best result on the PDC circuit, and most recently played in April, although he had not won enough prize money to qualify for the Rileys Darts Zones UK Open next weekend.
Saturday had seen Rick reach the last 32 of the Hampshire Open, which was eventually won by Arron Monk.
"Rick only joined the PDPA last year after a highly successful county career with Hampshire," said PDPA Director Andy Scott.
"He reached the last 16 of a recent Players Championship at Crawley and was steadily gaining prize money towards his goal of securing a tour card for 2011.
"Rick was just 46 and heartfelt condolences go to Sue and their young family."
Rick's funeral will be held on Wednesday June 16 at 11am, at the Portchester Crematorium, Upper Cornaway Lane, Portchester (near Fareham), Hampshire, PO16 8NE.
Afterwards there will be a celebration of Rick's life at The Foresters Arms, Ann's Hill Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 3JX. It has been requested that there be family flowers only, and there will be a charity collection held at the Foresters Arms.
Rick's wife Sue has asked that dress be informal and the wearing of Hawaiian or darts shirts is encouraged.