Belfast, Northern Ireland and the world of sport are tonight coming to terms with the loss of former Snooker Champion Alex 'the Hurricane' Higgins, who has died aged 61.

Alex passed away after a long battle against throat cancer and reports indicate that he was found dead in his Belfast flat on Saturday. Most users will recall recent press coverage and photographs of the Snooker Legend, whose weight plummeted after, he lost all his teeth during treatment for throat cancer. His health further deteriorated as eating proved painful and planned treatment could not take place due to his health.

Alex is reported to have contemplated taking his own life, because of his plight, but described how finding and reading a Bible his mother had given him, saw him through those dark days.

World champion in 1972 beating John Spencer and again in 1982 beating Ray Reardon, Alex the Hurricane Higgins became a national sporting hero.

Tributes are pouring in from the world of sport with BBC snooker commentator Philip Studd telling Radio Five Live:

'While he could never match the consistency of Steve Davis or Stephen Hendry, Higgins on his day was the greatest of them all.'

That is how we at Simply Belfast remember him: The Greatest of them All!

Last Updated: 24th July 2010