Worst fears were realized today when it was discovered that Louisiana Tech’s mascot, Tech XX had died on Sunday.  The dog had been missing since the weekend.  In a statement released by Tech and the veterinarian charged with the dog’s care, an employee of the vet left the dog out too long on Sunday and he died of a heat stroke.  The employee apparently tried to cover the whole thing up to make it look like the dog had run away or been mascot-napped.

Early Wednesday afternoon, Louisiana Tech University learned of the passing of Tech XX through the following communication from Dr. Patrick Sexton.

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.