Big Bear’s internet-famous bald eagles—Jackie, Shadow, and their three chicks—have been a source of joy for millions of people during these unprecedented times. Unfortunately, that did not protect our feathered friends from tragedy. During a harsh late winter storm, the eldest chick died after the couple worked so hard to nurture it. This heartbreaking loss was a reminder of nature’s brutality and the ability to persevere. Let’s take a look at the timeline of this tragic event, the internet’s reaction to it, and how fans are moving forward, including with a chance to give names to the two surviving chicks: What happened to the baby chick? The week of March 9, California’s Big Bear Valley received two feet of snow. On Thursday, March 13, Jackie and Shadow’s instincts kicked in, sensing the upcoming storm, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the nonprofit that manages the bald eagle live cams. Shadow delivered three fish, five sticks, and three piles of fluff to prepare. Sometime after the 6 p.m. feeding, Chick 1 passed. Jackie covered up her babies for the snowstorm and did her best to protect them. Shadow perched nearby. The cameras revealed Chick 1 was not present during the first feeding the following day. The exact details of the chick’s death are unknown, according to the nonprofit. Even though the webcam operates 24/7, camera angles have their limits. Camera 1 was also damaged in the storm, with the nightlight and audio features taking the brunt of it. BOBBV did not jump to an immediate conclusion. As observers of nature, the staff and volunteers have much practice being patient. The organization even dispelled several rumors that were widely circulated on the internet. After more of the snow melted and the body of the deceased chick was spotted, the organization made a formal announcement on Sunday. At first it was not known which chick passed as it was hard to tell them apart because they were so close in size. Time eventually revealed that it was the eldest eaglet known as Chick 1. “In the midst of the sadness, we want to honor the life of this chick for its courage in getting as far as it did and for the joy it brought to us in its short time here,” the nonprofit told its more than one million followers on Facebook and Instagram. Jackie and Shadow appeared to be affected by the loss. On Sunday, Shadow moved the body from the nest bowl to the side of the structure. Jackie removed it from the nest altogether. The couple, however, do not have much time to mourn because they are kept busy raising the other two chicks. Thankfully, these eaglets appear to be in good health and thriving. How fans have responded to the loss These bald eagles have a massive internet following, so fans were understandably devastated at this news. It seemed especially cruel since during the last couple of seasons the eggs didn’t hatch, despite Shadow and Jackie doing everything right. “I wonder if Jackie and Shadow can feel the love of the thousands of us rooting for them day after day,” one fan mused on Instagram. “She was so brave throughout that storm, holding on for hours despite the high winds and pelting snow. What a gift it has been to watch these devoted eagles.” Many teachers use the webcam footage in their classrooms and were now faced with the difficult task of breaking the news gently to their students in an age-appropriate manner. “So tomorrow is the first day back to school after spring break and I’m not quite sure how to handle that our third baby did not make it,” posted one Facebook user who identified herself as a Pre-K teacher in Alabama. “But I’m sure I will find the words and I’m sure that they will be sad, but will understand that that’s just part of life.” Death is part of life, but so is the resilience that Jackie and Shadow have demonstrated. If they can ride out the storms, so can we. One way to honor the feathered family is to band together in community and help FOBBV name the chicks. Eagle naming contest ends on Friday On Sunday March 23, FOBBV announced a contest to name the remaining chicks. The deceased chick formerly, known as Chick 1, will now be remembered as Misty. This moniker honors former FOBBV volunteer Kathi Misterly who died of cancer and is dearly missed by the organization. It is tradition for Jackie and Shadow’s offspring to be named through a contest. The nonprofit asks for a small donation for suggestions to help offset the costs of running the webcam. It is $5 for one name, $10 for three names, or $25 for 10 names. The organization asks for gender-neutral options as the sex of the eaglets is not known at this time. Additionally, it warns that offensive and obscene names will not be considered. The deadline to get your entries in is Friday, March 28, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time. All the acceptable monikers will be compiled and a computer will randomly make a list of finalists. While the w