Formula One star Lewis Hamilton is mourning the death of his beloved bulldog Roscoe, who died on Sunday evening after battling complications from pneumonia.
Hamilton confirmed the news on social media on Monday morning in a heartfelt message about his longtime canine companion just days before the Singapore Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton announces death of beloved bulldog Roscoe
"After four days on life support, fighting with every bit of strength he had, I had to make the hardest decision of my life and say goodbye to Roscoe. He never stopped fighting, right until the very end," the seven time world champion wrote on Instagram.
"I feel so grateful and honoured to have shared my life with such a beautiful soul, an angel and true friend. Bringing Roscoe into my life was the best decision I ever made, and I will forever cherish the memories we created together," he continued.
"Although I lost Coco, I have never been faced with putting a dog to sleep before, though I know my mum and many close friends have. It is one of the most painful experiences and I feel a deep connection to everyone who has gone through the loss of a beloved pet," Hamilton added. "Although it was so hard, having him was one of the most beautiful parts of life, to love so deeply and to be loved in return."
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He also shared a heartfelt message on X, writing that, his best friend Rosoe is "with Coco now."
Like Rosoe, Coco was also a bulldog.
Coco was adopted from a rescue in 2013 and frequently accompanied Hamilton to Formula 1 races where she was spotted hanging out with Roscoe on the paddock. She passed away in 2020 at the age of six.
Last week, Hamilton asked for prayers after pulling out of a Ferrari event to be by Roscoe's side amid his sudden health challenges.
"Roscoe caught pneumonia again and was struggling to breathe. He was admitted into hospital and sedated to calm him while they did checks on him and during the process his heart stopped," the F1 driver wrote on Instagram. "They managed to get a heartbeat back and now he’s in a coma. We don’t know whether he will wake from this. Tomorrow we’ll try to wake him up. I’m by his side and want to thank you all for your prayers and support."
Roscoe had become a close companion for Hamilton, who doesn't have a spouse of children.
The 12-year-old canine was known for traveling around the globe with the F1 driver, and had been a regular fixture at races.
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