Dene O’Kane was a former New Zealand professional snooker player. Sadly, he passed away on 14 May 2024, at the age of 61.
Dene died following a tragic accident at his home on Waiheke Island on Tuesday. He reportedly fell at his home earlier this week and died in hospital as per the New Zealand Herald.
Completely shocked and numb to hear of the tragic news of the passing of Dene O’ Kane.
A great snooker talent but more than that he was just a wonderful human being.
We kept in touch although not enough and it’s just devastating to hear he’s gone.
Rest easy Dene ???? pic.twitter.com/cXYYFwqyVw
— Fin Ruane ???? (@finsnookercoach) May 15, 2024
O’Kane was admitted to the Auckland Hospital where he passed away on Tuesday night. His brother contacted his friend, Bernie Endres on Wednesday with news of Dene’s death.
As per Endres,
He was the greatest New Zealander to pick up a cue. Just a massive presence in cue sports.
Dene was a decorated snooker player from New Zealand. During his playing career, he bagged 10 New Zealand titles, two Australian opens, two Oceania championships, and three World Masters Championships.
Since 2007, Dene was involved in the real estate business.
REST IN PEACE Dene O’Kane!
Now, let’s learn about Dene O’Kane wiki, age, parents, bio, net worth, married, wife, ethnicity, and other interesting facts.
Read Also: Nigel Bond; Everything On His Wife & Married Life
Dene O’Kane Wiki: Age, Parents, Ethnicity
Dene O’Kane was born on 24 February 1963 in Auckland, New Zealand. He was 61 years of age when he died in his home in Waiheke Island, New Zealand, on 14 May 2024.
O’Kane was raised by his mother, Lesley O’Kane. Lesley is now in her 90s and she is living a healthy life in Tauranga, a city in North Island, New Zealand.
Dene’s mother Lesley celebrates her birthday on the 24th of September every year (Source: Dene’s Facebook)
Back on 28 December 2023, Dene wrote about his wonderful mother on his Facebook account. With a picture of her, he captioned,
My wonderful mother Lesley, at Christmas December 2023. Now into her 90th year. She should be the one sitting down! Absolutely amazing!
Regarding his family, Dene grew up alongside three siblings. He has two sisters and one brother.
Dene was 17 when he relocated to the United Kingdom. While arriving in the English country, he was an amateur and a New Zealand champion.
O’Kane had a white ethnicity.
How Much Was Dene O’Kane Net Worth?
Dene enjoyed a commanding net worth from his promising career in sports. He first won the 1980 New Zealand Amateur Championship and represented his country at the 1982 IBSF World Snooker Championship.
After turning professional in 1984, Dene played at the 1984 International Open. He then reached the quarterfinals of the 1985 British Open in his debut season.
O’Kane reached the quarterfinal of the World Snooker Championships in 1992. He also achieved his career-high ranking of World No. 18 in 1991/92.
Dene managed to earn more than $800,000 from his professional snooker career. He won three World Masters Championships in 2004, 2005, and 2008.
Dene O’Kane As A Real Estate Agent!
Following his professional career as a snooker player, Dene switched to real estate in 2007. Initially, he worked as a Real Estate Agent at Ray White for 16 years and 5 months from August 2007 to December 2023.
Dene switched his career as a real estate agent in 2007 (Source: Dene’s Facebook)
Later in June 2022, Dene joined Bayleys Real Estate as a Real Estate Agent. He served there till the time of his unfortunate demise on 14 May 2024.
Despite becoming a real estate agent, O’Kane continued playing snooker as a senior and he participated in numerous exhibition tournaments all over the world.
Dene also served as the chairman of a premier cue club, Masse.
You May Also Like: Kyren Wilson Wife: Inside His Married Life & Family
Was Dene O’Kane Married? Who Is His Wife?
Dene was never married in his life. The snooker legend lived a single and professionally-focused life.
The 61-year-old accomplished much in his career as a snooker player. At the time of his death, he had both fame and a healthy bank balance.
