A popular Eurasian eagle-owl named Flaco, who became a local celebrity after escaping from the Central Park Zoo a year ago, has tragically passed away. The Wildlife Conservation Society released necropsy results revealing that Flaco died from acute traumatic injury after colliding with a building on the Upper West Side. Despite the fatal impact, the necropsy showed that Flaco did not suffer from head trauma and had no broken bones.

Before his untimely death, Flaco was doing well in the wild, maintaining good health and body condition. Pathologists will now investigate if potential exposure to toxins or viruses contributed to his demise. The WCS highlighted the issue of bird strikes in urban areas, estimating that around 250,000 birds meet a similar fate in the city each year.

Flaco, who had been in captivity for 12 years, escaped due to vandals tampering with his enclosure. New Yorkers have gathered to mourn the loss of the beloved owl, with many expressing sadness over his passing, especially as he seemed to be thriving in the wild after a year of freedom.