Bill Arthur dead: Sky Sports commentator dies aged 68 following cancer battle as tributes pour in
Bill Arthur has died following a lengthy prostate cancer battle
SKY/PA
Sky Sports commentator and presenter Bill Arthur has died at the age of 68.
Arthur was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 and following a long battle with the illness he died on Wednesday.
Sky has confirmed that Arthur died "peacefully" surrounded by his family.
In a statement confirming the news, managing director Jonathan Licht paid tribute to Arthur.
He said: "We are truly saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague, Bill Arthur.
"Bill has been a mainstay of Sky Sports' rugby league coverage for the last 30 years.
Sky Sports remembers Bill Arthur ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aexsJjkzsy
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) July 25, 2024
"I want to express my personal gratitude to Bill for his unwavering commitment to Sky, as well as the passion and devotion he brought to our viewers and fans of the sport.
"I know that Bill will be greatly missed by those who were lucky enough to work with him, and I would like to extend my condolences to Bill's wife, Cherry, and his family for their loss."
The Sky Sports Rugby League X account shared a video montage of Arthur's time with the network in his memory.
Before long, tributes from far and wide flooded in from rugby league fans, friends, and colleagues as they paid honour to Arthur.
Bill Arthur worked for Sky Sports for three decades
SKY
One fan said on X: "Really sad news this. Bill and his touchline reporting was as much a part of the Sky Super League coverage as Eddie and Stevo back during my childhood. His voice will forever be synonymous with many great rugby league moments. RIP Bill Arthur."
A second echoed: "Incredibly sad news. A real @SkySportsRL mainstay throughout some iconic years of Super League."
"Such sad news. Bill was one of the best RL commentators. Rest in peace," added another. (sic)
Fellow pundit Barrie McDermott had nothing but high praise for Arthur as he said: "I count myself very fortunate to be one of those people who listened and learned from him.
"I'll always be grateful for his guidance, support, and his friendship over the years."
Former commentator Eddie Hemmings, who has also been diagnosed with prostate cancer previously, also paid tribute.
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Bill Arthur died at the age of 68
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Hemmings said, according to Sky: "His courage in taking on the disease head on was an inspiration to men like me, who followed him every step of the way.
"He helped me fight the disease, which has now cruelly taken him from us, and I will never forget his support and the sound advice he gave me. Such a brave guy."