A lynx who became an internet sensation after being filmed at a Colorado ski resort is on a chairlift to heaven.
The beloved wildcat – who starred in a video that garnered millions of views – was found dead by Purgatory Resort’s ski patrol officials on Sunday, according to the Denver Post.
A necropsy was performed on the animal to check for parasites, diseases, and potential injuries. Wildlife officials say a first examination determined the lynx was emaciated.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife say they suspected the usually elusive animal may be ill after seeing it on the slopes with skiers and snowboarders.
“The first time I saw it I wasn’t entirely surprised because we do get a lot of reports of lynx sightings,” biologist Scott Wait said in a statement.
“But after I saw three more videos of the same animal behaving the same way in the same area I figured that something was wrong with the cat. Wild animals die of various causes just like people do,” he added.
Lynx were once extinct in Colorado, but after being reintroduced to the region in 1999, there are an estimated 250 lynx roaming the area.