Tragic news for the Baylor community -- the university's live bear mascot, Judge Joy Reynolds, has died. She was 21 years old.
Joy -- who has been in the Baylor family since she was 4 months old -- passed away peacefully surrounded by her caregivers, staff and veterinary team, the school announced.
"One of Baylor’s treasured North American Black Bears, Joy will forever be remembered as an enduring symbol of Baylor’s spirit and tradition," the university said Monday ... adding the bear will be honored with a memorial on campus.