Owner of famous Tewkesbury tortoise dies at the age of 49
A man known for owning one of Gloucestershire's most famous pets has died suddenly at the age of 49. Jason Smith was well known in the Tewkesbury area and could often be seen walking his pet tortoise Nancy Drew. Yesterday his wife Kate announced that he had died last month due to heart complications.
We first reported on Jason and Nancy Drew's adventures last year, when footage emerged of Jason taking him on a walk to the pub.
Nancy Drew was rescued from a pet shop in Hull by Jason's stepdaughter Charlotte, 27, when she was studying at university.
She had spotted he was upside down in the window, which can be fatal.
After informing the shop owner and being unhappy with their response, the student decided to give the reptile a better life and brought him home to Tewkesbury.
Nancy' has since gained notoriety in the town, recognised by landlord of The Nottingham Arms Rachel Langdon, who previously said of the tortoise: "He's most definitely a hit with our customers. He doesn't do a lot and seems happy eating some cucumber and going to sleep."
Last month, the tortoise was even seen trying to befriend some sheep while out on a walk.
Jason's memory will now be honoured by his wife Kate, who has started a fundraiser for his favourite cause - animal welfare.