“I’m devastated by this news” – Raymond van Barneveld mourns the sudden passing of a dear friend

Raymond van Barneveld is currently not in the most radiant period of his life. While the now 59-year-old darter has been struggling on the oche for some time, he has now also suffered a heavy personal blow. “Barney” announced on his Instagram that he recently lost a good friend.

It concerns the German Ralf Rademacher. He founded the company McDart in 1997 and was one of the pioneers of German darts. “I received a message that my good friend Ralph Rademacher, ‘Radi’, passed away suddenly. I was completely in shock, because he was only 58,” his message begins.

“Radi did so much for darts in Germany and the rest of Europe. I met him often at dart galas that he organized so well. He built a fantastic company in darting equipment and accessories,” Van Barneveld reflects. “I’m devastated by this news. I wish his wife and family much strength in this difficult time. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”

Alongside the text, Van Barneveld shares a photo of him, sixteen-time world champion Phil Taylor, and Rademacher at a football match of the German club FC Köln.

The loss, as mentioned, does not come at the best time for the Dutchman. After his early exit at the World Darts Championship against the Swiss Stefan Bellmont, he hoped for sporting success in 2026, but so far it has yet to materialize for “Barney.” Both on the floor tournaments and on the European Tour, the Hague native rarely goes deep.

In addition, as things stand, he is not even assured of a place at the 2027 World Darts Championship. Since last year, a total of no fewer than 128 players take part, but Van Barneveld is still well outside the required spots both on the main Order of Merit and the ProTour Order of Merit.