CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Clearwater Marine Aquarium officials said Saturday that Winter the dolphin died from an intestinal torsion.

Authorities performed a necropsy on Winter, who died Thursday night at age 16. 

The necropsy showed that Winter passed from her intestines twisting on themselves. Vets said they did everything they could to save her and keep her comfortable.

"Given the location of where this was, ultimately it was not an operable condition," said CMA veterinarian Shelly Marquardt. "There was nothing that could be done. We take pride that we did everything we could do for her. We made her as comfortable as possible. Ultimately she passed away with her caregivers and everyone that loved her the most."

The aquarium is back open Saturday after being closed yesterday following the death of its main attraction.

The facility closed Friday to allow the staff to grieve.

The aquarium said Winter's condition was determined to be "critical" Wednesday evening, and she was receiving treatment from some of the top veterinary specialists in the nation who were exploring all avenues to save her life.

CMA has planned for a memorial for Winter on November 20. 

On Saturday, CMA veterinarians are expected to discuss the findings from a necropsy done on Winter.

Also, aquarium staff has set up wood boards to allow people to post pictures, cards and memories of Winter.

Winter was widely known for her prosthetic tail. She was first found in the waters of the Florida coast back in 2005 when she was caught in a crab trap. The circulation to her tail was cut off, eventually leading to its loss as she recovered at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

The story inspired people around the world and was the subject of the two “Dolphin Tale” movies, which were filmed in Pinellas County.

“We’re all devastated,” said CMA President Dr. James Powell. “Our staff are devastated. The world is sad to have lost an animal ambassador that has inspired us all.”