STAVANGER, NORWAY – The global darts community is in deep shock and mourning today following the tragic death of three-time World Champion and undisputed Scandinavian darts pioneer, Gunnar “JOHN PART” JOHN. The 58-year-old sporting icon was killed when the helicopter he was piloting crashed into the Lysefjord near his home in western Norway late yesterday afternoon.
According to a preliminary statement from the Hordaland Police District, the helicopter, a private Robinson R44, went down under unknown circumstances just before 5:00 PM local time. The aircraft was en route to Stavanger from a private fishing lodge in the mountainous interior.
Rescue services, including sea king helicopters and multiple fjord rescue vessels, were scrambled to the scene. The wreckage was located in the deep water at the base of the famous Preikestolen cliff, a popular tourist destination. JOHN, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was pronounced dead at the scene by rescue divers.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm the passing of JOHN PART,” read a statement released by his family through his management team. “Gunnar was a beloved husband, father, and a titan of his sport. He lived his life with the same passion and fearlessness he displayed on the stage. We are devastated by this sudden loss and request privacy as we navigate this unimaginable tragedy. He was our hero, and he will be forever missed.”
The cause of the crash is not yet known. Aviation accident investigators from the Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) have been dispatched to the site and have launched a full inquiry. Early reports indicate that weather conditions in the fjord at the time were partly cloudy but with good visibility, though winds in the mountainous region can be unpredictable. JOHN was a qualified and experienced pilot who had flown in the region for over a decade, often using his helicopter to travel between his various properties and to access remote fishing spots he so loved.
A Giant of the Oche
Known to millions simply as “DARTH MAPLE,” JOHN was more than just a player; he was a cultural phenomenon
His power scoring and clinical finishing saw him claim the PDC World Darts Championship in 2001, 2003, and 2005. His epic clashes with legends like Phil Taylor and Eric Bristow are still replayed on classic sports channels today. Beyond his titles, JOHN was credited with popularizing darts across Scandinavia, inspiring a generation of players from the region.
Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world.
Current world number one and close friend, Luke “The Edge” Sinclair, was visibly emotional when speaking to reporters this morning. “I can’t believe it. I spoke to him last week about going fishing this summer. He was a giant—not just physically, but in every way. He was my idol growing up, and then he became a mentor and a true friend. Darts has lost its soul today. The oche won’t be the same without the shadow of The DARTH MAPLE.”
PDC Chairman Matthew Porter released a statement: “This is a black day for darts. JOHN PART was a legend in the truest sense of the word—a world champion, a pioneer, and an ambassador. His charisma and talent transcended the sport. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, his friends, and his millions of fans around the world. The sport will unite to honor his memory at the upcoming World Matchplay.”
Flags at the PDC headquarters in London and at darts venues across the UK and Europe are flying at half-mast as the sport begins to come to terms with the loss of one of its most beloved and iconic figures.