Eric is murdered as he leaves the church in Uppsala on May 18, 1160.

He is said to have been murdered by Emund Ulvbane, an assassin who was hired by people working for the Sverker dynasty, in order for them to regain the control of the kingdom, or alternatively by Magnus Henriksson, another claimant, who is said in some sources to have succeeded him briefly as king.

Swedes believe a miracle occurred at Eric's death: a fountain is said to have sprung from the earth where the king's head fell after being chopped off.

Eric is soon worshiped as a saint, becoming known as Eric the Saint or Eric the Holy.

Though never formally canonized by the pope, he will eventually become the patron saint of Sweden.