Tilikum, the notorious Orca who dragged and killed an Orlando SeaWorld trainer underwater in 2010, reportedly died from bacterial pneumonia.
SeaWorld spokeswoman Aimée Jeansonne Becka sent the results of the necropsy to the Associated Press in an email Friday.
The whale — which was featured in the 2013 documentary “Blackfish” — was being treated for a chronic bacterial infection in his lungs since March. The whale died in January.
“While we are still saddened by the loss, the post-mortem information is consistent with the diagnosis and treatment we were providing,” Vice President of Animal Health for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Hendrik Nollens said in a statement.
The documentary was about the 2010 incident, and was designed as a way to help sway popular public opinion against killer whales in captivity.
The film was wildly popular with viewers and received 98% positive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
The 37-year-old marine mammal resided in the SeaWorld park for nearly 25 years, and impacted the lives of millions of visitors.
“Tilikum had, and will continue to have, a special place in the hearts of the SeaWorld family, as well as the millions of people all over the world that he inspired,” President & CEO of SeaWorld Joel Manby said.
“My heart goes out to our team who cared for him like family.”
