By Alex Moss

10 APRIL 2017 • 10:00PM

American legend Rick Ney, part of the 1985 WDF World Cup winning team, has died.

Ney was one of the most successful American dart players, reaching the final of the prestigious News of the World Championship in 1986, where he lost 2-0 to Bobby George, as well as a run to the semi-finals of the 1988 World Championship.

In 1985, he was part of the American team which included Tony Payne, John Kramer and Dan Valletto, that won the team event at the WDF World Cup in Brisbane, Australia.

Another Great One gone too soon. RIP Rick Ney. Prayer going out to family and Friends — Larry Butler (@USAEagle180) April 10, 2017

By the time Ney was 25 he had won the US Open three times in consecutive years between 1980 and 1982, and he also went on to make four appearances in the BDO’s World Championship.

His best result at Lakeside came in the 1988 tournament when he beat Magnus Caris, Chris Johns and Dennis Hickling to become only the third player from outside the UK to reach the semi-finals of the World Championship.

I'm hearing sad news that Rick Ney has passed away suddenly.

A great dart player from years past.

Condolences to all who knew him well. 🎯 — Paul Nicholson (@TheAsset180) April 10, 2017

Ney, who was born in 1961, reportedly passed away following a motor vehicle accident.

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