The Hoàn Kiếm turtle died on January 19, 2016.

He was a Hoàn Kiếm turtle.

Rafetus leloii was a controversial taxon of turtle from Southeast Asia.

It was found in Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Its been noted that Vietnamese biologists assert that R. leloii was a distinct species from the Yangtze giant softshell turtle Rafetus swinhoei, most authorities classify it as synonymous with the latter species.

Both taxons are to be considered distinct, R. leloii may be considered extinct.

Now, there are three living specimens of R. swinhoei remaining in the world.

The last individual, affectionately known to locals as Cụ Rùa, meaning “great grandfather turtle” in Vietnamese, was reported dead on 19 January 19,2016.

Reportedly, a local saw the body of the turtle floating and reported it to the authority.

The last time the turtle was reported been seen alive was on December 21, 2015.

The last known Hoan Kiem turtle was found dead on January 19, 2016.

The Stories of the Hoàn Kiếm turtle started in the fifteenth century with Lê Lợi, who became an emperor of Vietnam and founder of the Lê Dynasty. According to legend, Lê Lợi had the sword named Heaven’s Will, given to him by the the Golden Turtle God, Kim Qui.

Hoan Kiem turtle passed away on January 19, 2016.