Donohue leads the tributes to former judo champion Fallon

Craig Fallon, the former world judo champion, has died at the age of 36.

He was the last British judoka to win a world title, doing so in the 60kg class in Cairo in 2005. He is one of only two British men, alongside Neil Adams, to be world and European champion at the same time.

Fallon, who died on Monday, also won the Commonwealth title for England in 2002 and finished seventh at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 before retiring three years later.

Nigel Donohue, the British Judo performance director, said in a statement: “It is with great shock to hear of the passing of Craig. Firstly, Craig is a son and father, as well as an outstanding judo fighter of his generation in world judo. He was a fantastic ambassador for British judo and is our most successful athlete in the modern era of world judo and the most talented judoka that I have ever had the pleasure to watch competing for Great Britain.

“The judo world has lost a talented athlete and coach. Craig’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.”

Fallon took up coaching following his retirement and, after a spell in Austria, was appointed head coach of the Welsh Judo Association (WJA) in March.

Darren Warner, chief executive of the WJA, said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Craig. He was only with the organisation for a short time but was a joy to work with and will be sorely missed.”

Fallon leaves behind a partner and son.

The cause of death has not yet been revealed.