Richmond Animal Care and Control announced that Tommie, the pit bull that was set on fire and abandoned in a Richmond park earlier this week, passed away early Friday morning.

Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) made the announcement on Facebook:

“I’m so very sorry to say that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed,” the post read.

Richmond Animal Care and Control said the male brindle pit bull was tied to a pole, covered in accelerant and intentionally set on fire in Abner Clay Park on West Clay Street at about 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 10.

Witnesses saw an adult male suspect wearing multiple layers of pants run from the scene towards Belvidere Street.

8News spoke with a Richmond Fire spokesperson on Friday morning about the passing of Tommie and where the investigation stands at this point.

“Saddened to hear about the passing of Tommie, but there is a very active investigation between Richmond Fire, Richmond Police, and RACC. They are following all leads and tips to bring justice to Tommie. If you have any information call the tip line 780-1000 or report it in the app called p3 tips,” Lt. Chris Armstrong said.

A reward fund has been offered to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person who did this. RACC reported that the reward fund has risen to $25,000 from the $10,000 reward announced on Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or submit your tip through the 3PTips.