Tilikum, orca that killed trainer, dead at 36

Sea World officials said Friday that Tilikum, an orca that killed a trainer, died but didn’t give a cause of death.

ORLANDO, FLA. >> Tilikum, an orca that killed a trainer at SeaWorld Orlando in 2010, has died.

Sea World officials said Friday that Tilikum died but did not give a cause of death. In a statement, the officials said Tilikum had faced serious health issues including a persistent and complicated bacterial lung infection. He was estimated to be 36 years old.

“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,” SeaWorld President & CEO Joel Manby said. “My heart goes out to our team who cared for him like family.”

Tilikum was SeaWorld’s most prolific male orca, siring 14 calves while he was at SeaWorld Orlando. He was noticeable for his size at more than 22 feet and 11,800 pounds.

While at Sealand in 1992, Tilikum and two female orcas were responsible for the death of a part-time trainer who slipped and fell into their pool and was submerged by them. Sealand later closed

In 2010, SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau was interacting with Tilikum before a live audience when he pulled her from a platform by her arm and held her under the water. An autopsy said Brancheau drowned but also suffered severe trauma.

In this 2011 photo, orca Tilikum, right, watches as trainers take a break during a training session in Orlando, Fla.