Winter, the beloved dolphin who’s story touched many people’s hearts and star of the ‘Dolphin Tale’ films has sadly passed away on  November 11 at 16 years old.

Winter was first found in the waters of Florida in 2005 where she was caught in a crab trap which led her to lose her tail. Winter was then taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, With the loss of her tail it was a challenge for Winter to swim regularly as a result, Winter was fitted for a silicone and plastic tail that allowed her to swim without much problems. Winter became an inspiration to disabled people and became a popular attraction at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium; she had books published after her like Winter’s Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned How To Swim Again along with films and Nintendo games.

On November 7 it was announced by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium that a test came back showing that Winter had signs of a gastrointestinal infection. Two days later another announcement was made that Winter’s condition was critical. While in preparation for an exploratory procedure on November 11 at 8:00PM, Winter died. In her autopsy it was reported that she died of a twisted intestine.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium came out with a statement saying “Animal care experts from around the country worked to treat her gastrointestinal abnormality. The CMA family is devastated.”   Another statement was made by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium saying “While we are heartbroken by Winter’s death, we are comforted to know that our team did everything possible to give her best chance at survival. We worked with specialist and marine mammal experts from around the country to provide her with the best care available.”  To help remember Winter there was a service open to the public for her at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium November 24 and there was a private one the 27th for all CMA community partners and elected officials.