When It Rains, It Really Does Pour: UNC Mascot Owner Dies

Orange County, NC farmer Rob Hogan died early Friday morning from complications related to his Sept. 15 accident at the Hogan Farm  in Carrboro, NC.

Hogan, who was a fixture on the sidelines at UNC-Chapel Hill's Kenan Stadium as the owner and handler of Carolina's mascot Rameses had been hospitalized since Sept. 15, when he fell from his tractor and suffered a hip injury that became life-threatening, according to the university's General Alumni Association website.

Hogan's doctors at UNC struggled for nearly a month to help him recover from the accident that started his downward spiral. Hogan was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which injured muscle tissue starts to die and releases toxins into the body that can damage the kidneys.

The family celebrated Hogan's 54th birthday Tuesday at his beside.

In Hogan's absence, Rameses XVIII has missed the Tar Heels' first two home football games.

The Hogan family has cared for the Tar Heel mascot since 1924.