A beloved Texas State Fair mascot was met with a fiery fate today when Big Tex burned to the ground.
The 52-foot figure has stood tall at the fairgrounds in Dallas since 1952. He was said to wear size 70 boots and a 75-gallon hat.
Smoke and flames were spotted coming out of his neck this morning and it wasn’t long before the larger-than-life Big Tex was fully engulfed in flames. Onlookers watched in horror as an legendary icon was destroyed.
Officials say it maybe have been an electrical fire, but a cause has not yet been determined.
In 1997, Big Tex’s skeleton got a makeover, allowing for a mechanical hand that waived to fair-goers. He got a new outfit every three seasons and was currently wearing a pair of 65-pound pair of Dickies jeans. His skin was made of fiberglass.
He often bellowed recorded announcements in a famous Texas-style voice — a voice his fans may never hear again. 
(Photos via Twitter)
Big Tex on a better day.
The fire was spotted first near his neck.
Only his hands, feet and metal frame remained after the fire.
Officials hauled Big Tex away in a “body bag.”
