*UPDATE* on Windchill Colt

'Windchill' the colt passes away

He was supposed to be the little horse that could.

Found half-frozen and near death, "Windchill's" story warmed the hearts of people the world over.

We're sad to report the nine-month-old colt died Friday night.

Volunteers say he showed signs of improvement early last week as he recovered from malnutrition, dehydration and hypothermia.

Below is a statement posted on Raindance Farms website regarding the death of Windchill:

"It is with broken hearts that we say this...last night between 9pm and midnight, February 29th, 2008, one of the bravest souls we have ever had the honor of knowing crossed over the rainbow bridge. He passed quietly in his sleep, surrounded by his two sisters, Kisses and Sunday, at the only real home he had ever known. There are no words to describe the loss and emptiness that we feel. Earlier in the evening he had his weekly check up and blood work done, with normal temperature, normal heart rate, and lots of weight gain since his last check up. The experts warned us from the beginning not to get our hopes up, because the odds were just overwhelmingly stacked against him. We never told Windchill that. We accepted each day with him as a gift, we watched his progress in awe - as did the entire nation. This little horse became a beacon of hope for so many who had lost their faith in humanity. He taught us that no matter what happens in your life, no matter how unfair, you can still have faith and you can find love to carry you to a better place. He found the good in the world. After cremation, he will be brought home for a proper burial. Once the tears have eased up and we can think clearly again, we will be starting a foundation in his honor. His brave fight will not have been in vain."

Kathi Davis, Jeff Tucker and Windchill's care team