Beloved and gentle Bevo XIV died in his sleep, surrounded by his caretakers and best friends. (Getty)
The beloved mascot for The University of Texas, Bevo XIV, has died. He was just retired earlier this week due to illness, and students and alumni are mourning his loss. The gentle and sweet mascot died in his sleep. RIP sweet longhorn.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Bevo XIV Died in His Sleep, Surrounded by His Best Friends
Sweet Bevo XIV was surrounded by his loving caretakers when he died. (Getty)
Bevo XIV died in his sleep, surrounded by his owners and best friends, Spike, John T., and Betty Baker, Texas Sports reported. He has been the mascot for UT since he was only two years old in 2004. He was on the sidelines during back-to-back Rose Bowl victories and made many appearances at special events, including the second inauguration of President George W. Bush.
.@BEVO_XIV has passed away in his sleep. RIP Bevo XIV. #winforbevo http://t.co/pONGSPrkEa http://t.co/PDIJi3A59D
2. He Was Recently Retired Due to Bovine Leukemia Virus
Bevo XIV was just retired for bovine leukemia virus. (Getty)
Bevo XIV was retired just earlier this week after being diagnosed with bovine leukemia virus, CBS DFW reported. Bovine leukemia is common in the United States, estimated to be present in up to 44 percent of dairy cattle, Dairy Herd reported. The chance of contracting it increases with age.
3. He Had a Sweet Personality & Was Very Gentle
Bevo XIV would come to you when called by his name. (Getty)
Bevo XIV was an exceptionally sweet and gentle longhorn. Ricky Brennes, Bevo XIV’s traveling partner and the executive director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association, said that Bevo loved attention and was very calm and very smart, ESPN reported:
Like a dog he would come when called by name, show up to the house looking for treats and even roll over on his side so Mrs. Baker could rub his belly.
4. The Search for Bevo XV Will Begin Immediately
Bevo’s successor, Bevo XV, should be selected in time for the 2016 football season. (Getty)
The search for his successor, Bevo XV, begins immediately. The new Bevo is expected to be picked by the time the 2016 football season begins, ESPN reported. The Silver Spurs Alumni Association will lead the search. They will be looking for a longhorn who has the same majestic qualities and sweet personality, Texas Sports reported.
5. Students & Alumni Are Mourning His Death
Join us in the Eyes of Texas, one last time, for @BEVO_XIV @TexasSports @UTAustin http://t.co/GK0VKwB6tn #RIPBevo
Fans, students, and alumni are mourning Bevo’s passing. Even rivals are joining in. The University of Arkansas sent Bevo flowers in their mascot Tusk’s name earlier this week when the news of Bevo’s retirement was announced. Bevo’s Twitter account posted the following response:
Thank you @Tusk_UA for the retirement gift. Very kind of you to think of me. Best of luck the rest of the season http://t.co/bnTKCEsuOn
Here are just a few more reactions about Bevo’s passing.
@GregAbbott_TX @TexasSports @TexasExes time to order the flags at half staff in Texas for @BEVO_XIV 😢😢🐂🐂 #bevo #HookEm
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Texas Longhorn Mascot Bevo XIV Dead: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know