Badger was a much loved member of the Durham community, with more than 3,000 followers on his Twitter account.
In a statement shared on the official Durham Cathedral Facebook page, the Dean of Durham, Reverend Andrew Tremlett, announced: “Very sadly, after a short illness, he has found his place in the sun”.
The statement continued, “Badger will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him” and urged people with photos and memories of meeting Badger to post them in the comments of the Facebook post.
Over 500 people have shared memories and photographs of Badger on social media following his death, including the official University account.