Texas Tech announced Wednesday that the longest-serving horse in the Masked Rider program, Midnight Matador, passed away due to complications from colic surgery.

The University said the horse passed away on Tuesday, February 3.

Midnight Matador was the 13th equine in the program’s history and served for 11 years.

Texas Tech’s Spirit Program Director Stephanie Rhode said the entire spirit program was grieving.

“He lived almost his entire life in service to our university inspiring hundreds of thousands of fans during his tenure as the Masked Rider horse,” said Rhode. “He devoted himself to our university with such loyalty, and he leaves a legacy that will be difficult for any horse to surpass.”

Midnight Rider carried 11 Masked Riders from 2002-2013.

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