Giraffe named after Bengals' Joe Burrow dead after medical issue

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A giraffe at a Louisiana zoo named after Cincinnati Bengals and former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow has died, officials said Wednesday.

Burreaux was a 20-month-old giraffe at the Baton Rouge Zoo. Officials said the animal fell ill on Tuesday.

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"It is with the heaviest hearts that we let our Zoo family know that our beloved Burreaux, 20-month old male reticulated giraffe, has passed away. We are beyond saddened by this sudden loss and are grieving immensely. Rest in peace big guy," the zoo said in a tweet.

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Officials said the giraffe had a severe cough and overall agitation.

"The Zoo’s veterinary staff took immediate measures to help, including swiftly administering medications to stabilize," the zoo said in a statement. "As well, he underwent constant staff evaluation to optimize his chances of recovery. The Zoo’s team reached out to numerous zoological veterinarians throughout the nation — none of which had experienced a giraffe with comparable symptoms."

An LSU veterinary team performed a necropsy to determine the official cause of death. Results are expected to come within 30 days.

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Burrow was a star quarterback at LSU before turning pro. He led the Tigers to a national championship with one of the best college football seasons ever. He had 5,671 passing yards and 60 touchdown passes.