LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A beloved 3-year-old elephant at the Louisville Zoo that was diagnosed with a potentially fatal disease died late Friday night. 

The Zoo released the information on Twittter and in a news release Saturday morning. 

Fitz had been under treatments in an effort to save his life after he was diagnosed with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). The zoo said that's a type of herpes virus.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of elephant Fitz," Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney said in a written statement. "Fitz held a special place within our entire extended Zoo family. His presence at our Zoo touched the hearts of our members, patrons and our entire community, inspiring a profound appreciation for elephants and their conservation. Our animal and medical teams performed outstandingly. They worked tirelessly under very challenging circumstances, but sadly, despite their remarkable efforts, we were unable to save him. Fitz’s impact will live on, along with his memory, in the hearts of all who encountered him. He will be deeply missed."

Saturday more than a dozen visited the zoo, many brought flowers to lay right outside the elephant exhibit. 

"This is for my wife and my son. We would come and they are actually a little too broken up to come today but it was a special bonding time for all of us and for my wife's father who would send us pictures and updates all the time - just brought the whole community together. It is a tragic loss." said David Hussey who brought flowers to the zoo 

In an update on Friday, Zoo officials said Fitz was eating and his condition was stable, but his condition took a turn for the worse Friday evening, and he passed away during his nighttime treatment shortly after 11 p.m. according to the news release.

A necropsy will be performed and any additional information from the results will be released later. 

Further information will be shared soon about how the community may join in honoring Fitz. 

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