November 19, 2021
CLEARWATER, Fla., Nov. 19, 2021 – In 2005, after Winter the dolphin’s tail became tangled in a crab trap, two Hanger Clinic prosthetic experts collaborated to invent a prosthetic tail to help her swim again. In the 16 years since, Winter provided hope and encouragement to people all over the world, particularly those with limb loss, limb difference, and other challenges, including many Hanger Clinic patients who visited her at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida.
The Hanger Clinic family was incredibly saddened when Winter passed away on November 11. From inspiring the Dolphin Tale films to the creation of the innovative WintersGel prosthetic liner, Winter’s legacy lives on, and is remembered fondly by her prosthetists, Vice President of Prosthetics Kevin Carroll, MS, CP, FAAOP, and Area Clinic Manager Dan Strzempka, CPO. Carroll and Strzempka released the below statement reflecting on Winter’s impact:
“Our hearts are broken to learn of the passing of our beloved Winter the dolphin. It has been our absolute honor working with Winter and her world-renowned animal care providers at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium since her rescue. Working with Winter forced us to think outside the box and come up with new approaches to how we think about prosthetic devices, so much so that we came up with a new material that we now call WintersGel that allowed Winter to use her prosthetic tail with comfort. Thanks to Winter, our amputee population now benefits from this innovative technology with thousands of people using it around the world. Winter has given back so much to us, especially when it comes to inspiring people of all ages with life-threatening illnesses, those who have experienced traumatic injuries, and even soldiers returning from war. Winter has been there for them, demonstrating her perseverance to overcome insurmountable odds, bringing hope to all those who encountered her. Winter has brought joy to the world and will be forever remembered for her spirited demeanor and her passion for people. Winter’s impact is significant and long-lasting, and she will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Read more about Winter’s passing and her impact on the world below:
- Sarasota Herald-Tribune: https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/opinion/columns/2021/11/16/tale-sarasota-and-winter-dolphin/8622479002/
- Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/beloved-dolphin-tale-star-winter-died-of-twisted-intestine/2021/11/13/69f426ae-44b3-11ec-9404-50a28a88b9cd_story.html
- TODAY.com: https://www.today.com/pets/winter-dolphin-star-dolphin-tale-movies-dies-t238763
- WTVT-TV (FOX – Tampa): https://www.fox13news.com/news/well-always-carry-her-legacy-with-us-those-inspired-by-winter-vow-to-uplift-others-in-her-honor
About Hanger Clinic: Hanger Clinic, a subsidiary of Hanger, Inc. (NYSE: HNGR), owns and operates approximately 800 patient care clinics nationwide, where comprehensive, outcomes-based orthotic and prosthetic care is delivered. Rooted in 160 years of clinical excellence and innovation, the certified clinicians of Hanger Clinic provide compassionate, expert care and customized solutions for all ages, designed to increase the mobility and function of each person we have the honor of serving. For more information on Hanger Clinic, visit www.HangerClinic.com.
Contact:
Annie Myers
External Relations Manager
(210) 440-7380 or [email protected]