THE shear madness has ended.

Chris the sheep, famous for a coat that was five times larger than average, has died. Little Oak Sanctuary in New South Wales, Australia, posted the news on Facebook.

“We have heartbreaking news. Chris the sheep has passed away,” the announcement said. “We are heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, wise, friendly soul. Chris is known as the world record holder for having grown the heaviest fleece on record. He was so much more than this, so very much more, and we will remember him for all that he was — someone, not something — here with us, not for us. RIP dear Chris.”

Chris was first spotted in the wild in 2015, sporting an 88-pound (39.9-kilogram) coat of fleece that was reportedly deemed a health risk. That wool, which weighed five times the norm and put stress on Chris’ frame, was shaved off and the shaggy sheep was relocated to the sanctuary. Before and after photos of the transformed animal went viral.

He was believed to be around 10 years old, according to Australia’s Canberra Times.

“He’s been really happy and healthy recently,” Little Oak Sanctuary co-founder Kate Luke told the Times. “His death came out of the blue. His system just gave way.”

Chris reportedly died from natural causes. Sanctuary staffers remembered him as a favorite of employees and visitors alike.

(SD-Agencies)