Nigel Pearson: Legendary marvelbet369.commentator and reporter, and voice of Darts and Speedway, tragically passes away at the age of 52
Everyone at talkSPORT was saddened to learn of the death of our commentator and reporter Nigel Pearson, who has passed away aged just 52.
Nigel was part of the talkSPORT team right from the launch of the station back in 1995.
He covered football extensively on radio, reporting on a variety of clubs down the years.
Nigel was a talented commentator, reporter and the brilliant voice of our darts coverage.
He was also an iconic speedway presenter and commentator.
Nigel was well respected by fans of all sports he covered and will be greatly missed by friends and colleagues at talkSPORT.
His colleague, Ian Danter, joined talkSPORT to pay tribute to his good friend.
"I've known him for over 20 years and you can blame him for getting me into talkSPORT! He gave me the heads up when the station was looking for a Midlands-based reporter and I'm indebted to him for that, but more so for the friendship.
"The person that came across was so genuine and he was such a great person to be around.
"Nigel was the best of all of us."
A statement from British Speedway said: “It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we announce the passing of much-loved sport commentator, presenter and journalist, Nigel Pearson, aged 52, earlier today.
“We ask everyone to fully respect Nigel’s family’s privacy at this time.
“All of our thoughts and love go to his wife Kerrie, daughter Sarah and sons Liam and Jake. A fuller tribute to Nigel will follow.”
A statement from the Professional Darts Corporation said: "All at the PDC are deeply saddened to learn that iconic commentator Nigel Pearson passed away earlier on Friday.
"Nigel will be sorely missed by all at the PDC and we send our condolences to his family at this time."
Nigel was much loved in the sporting world, with 16-time darts champion Phil Taylor among those to pay tribute.
He tweeted: "Sad Sad news about Nigel Pearson passing away. Always polite and a good guy. RIP."
Current stars Gerwyn Price and Michael Van Gerwen also reacted to the tragic loss.
Price said: "Shocked and saddened of the passing of Nigel Pearson great guy great commentator will be deeply missed my thoughts are with all his family and friends."
Van Gerwen stated: "Very sad news. Nigel could always make me laugh in post match interviews. My thought are with Nigel’s family at this difficult time."
talkSPORT colleague Ian Danter was a close friend of Nigel's and said: "I’m heartbroken. Nigel Pearson has so sadly just passed away.
"Just the most beautiful soul, full of laughs and character. Thoughts with Kerrie and the family at this time.
"Nige was the best of us and I owe him so so much. Miss you mate xxxxx."
talkSPORT host and long time colleague Adrian Durham said: "RIP Nigel Pearson, a great man, talented, funny, supportive, a true friend and above all else a great dad and husband. Thoughts with his family.
"Can't believe I'll never share a beer with my buddy and talk about sport, kids, books and radio ever again. Tell me it's not real, please?"
And talkSPORT football editor Jason Bourne said: "I'm sorry to say but our friend and colleague Nigel Pearson has passed away.
"He was a lovely man and great company.
"A fixture at talkSPORT since the beginning, Nigel commentated on our first ever live national Premier League fixture in 2006 and has called big moments at World Cups and Euros.
"He was one of the voices of the West Midlands and often attended games watching his beloved West Brom.
"Nigel was someone I always found warm and friendly - from my days as a talkSPORT web geek to my role as Football Editor.
"Away from football he loved his darts, his speedway and, above everything, his adoring family.
"This is a short note and there's so much more I could say. There’s so much more others will and can say too. We'll all miss him deeply."
Nigel was a West Brom fan and the club paid their own tribute too, while West Midlands rivals Wolves offered their condolences.
Bristol City manager and namesake, Nigel Pearson, also spoke glowingly about a man who will be missed by so many.
Read More on talkSPORT
He said: “My sincere condolences to the friends and family of respected sports broadcaster Nigel Pearson on his passing. We met during my time as head coach of Watford in 2020 and he was brilliant company, a top bloke. Rest in peace, Nigel.”
Rest in peace, Nigel Pearson.