Willie Thorne has died after a short battle with leukaemia aged 66.
The snooker legend suffered respiratory failure on Sunday and had been in an induced coma in the intensive care ward at Torrevieja Hospital in Spain.
Willie had been undergoing chemotherapy treatment while residing in his rented flat in Alicante, after being diagnosed with leukaemia back in March.
He has had several health issues since, reports the Mirror.
Willie had to undergo three blood transfusions following his initial diagnosis, before returning to hospital in May for heart checks and an MRI scan.
His latest admission to hospital was following a drop in his blood pressure to dangerously low levels, with medical staff opting to place him in an induced coma.
Despite being placed on a ventilator, he sadly passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
A message on his GoFundMe page read: "It is with a very heavy and broken heart that I have to officially announce that at 1.55am this morning Willie Thorne lost his battle and passed away!
"Willie went into septic shock and was not responding to any treatment so the decision was made by the hospital to turn off the machines
"I was with him all the way to his end and reading out messages to him from people.
"He passed away very peacefully and without pain listening to his children saying they love him that gives me some comfort in this difficult time.
"Over here in Spain everything happens very quickly so today myself and his family will he making plans and will inform you accordingly!
"It disappoints me some what that people were tweeting he has passed away when he was still holding on and with us!
"I guess that’s celebrity life....
"Thank you so very much to everyone that has been involved in Willies care you have all been absolutely amazing and Willie couldn’t have asked for better.
"Thank you for all the donations that enabled him to get the care he needed!
"This will now pay for his funeral.
"Thank you for all the well wishes and beautiful messages of support xxx."
Willie had a successful career in snooker as a player after turning professional in 1975.
A fundraising page had been set up for Willie by his friend and carer, Julie O'Neill, who provided fans with regular updates on his health prior to his death.
Willie leaves behind three children of his own and two step children.
