Louisiana Tech Mascot Dies Of Heat Stroke After Being Left Out In The Sun


Louisiana Tech’s mascot, an English bulldog used to rile up crowds at sporting events, has died of heat stroke after first being reported missing.

The Louisiana Tech mascot, named Tech XX, died of heat stroke after being left outside by an employee on Sunday, CNN reported. The employee has since been fired.

Tech XX became Louisiana Tech’s mascot in 2008, and school officials said he received superior care and a loving home since then. His predecessor, Tech XIX, had to retire in 2007 because of health concerns and because it too suffered heat stroke, university officials said.

“Tech XX was a member of our immediate family and a daily part of our lives for the past four years,” Patrick Sexton, the vet who cared for the Louisiana Tech mascot, said in a statement. “We are devastated over the circumstances of his passing, and there will be a large void in our hearts for some time to come. As with any family member, we will spend considerable time grieving his passing.”

Sexton told KSLA that the employe then tried to cover up that the dog was missing. Due to the negligent actions, the employee was fired from the Sexton Animal Health Center, he said.

For students and Louisiana Tech fans, the sudden loss of the beloved mascot was difficult to take.

“He will be remembered for being a fan favorite and a symbol of the spirit of Louisiana Tech,” the university added.

The worker charged with watching the Louisiana Tech mascot said he let the dog outside to go to the bathroom when it went missing. The university formed a search effort, with students and residents helping to look for the lost dog.

University officials have given no word on when the new Louisiana Tech mascot, Tech XXI, will be selected.

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