In a terrible and twisted turn of events, Louisiana Tech reported on its Facebook page on Wednesday that its live bulldog mascot that had been missing since Sunday, Tech XX, died of heat stroke and was apparently covered up by an employee at the Sexton Animal Health Center after he or she left the dog outside too long in 102-degree heat.
It was reported on Monday that Tech XX had been let out to go to the bathroom but disappeared when an employee of the clinic returned to let him back in. That was apparently a lie as the school posted a note from the mascot’s caretaker, Patrick Sexton, who also runs the animal health center that read in part:
Regretfully, I learned this morning that through negligence of an employee, Tech XX was left outside too long on Sunday evening and passed away from a heat stroke. That employee unfortunately chose to handle it the wrong way and attempted to cover it up. Due to this negligence, the employee is no longer employed by Sexton Animal Health Center.
My family, my staff and I are extremely upset at this tragic turn of events as I know the entire Louisiana Tech Family is as well. Tech XX was a member of our immediate family and a daily part of our lives for the past four years. 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.
If you’ve ever owned a pet of any kind, you can only imagine the pain the Sexton family and entire Louisiana Tech community is feeling right now. The fact that the death was allegedly due to such extreme negligence and followed by a cover-up just makes this even more sickening.
We can only hope the Sexton family and school finds a fitting way to honor the late and loveable mascot.
