In September 2011, it was announced that Waddell had been diagnosed with bowel cancer. He succumbed to bowel cancer on 11 August 2012, the day after his 72nd birthday, In Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Following his death, the decision was made to rename the PDC World Darts Championship trophy the Sid Waddell trophy from 2013. Waddell's funeral was held in Leeds on 22 August 2012. Before Waddell's funeral he was cremated earlier in the day in a private ceremony.