Paul the octopus dies in Germany

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Paul the Octopus, who gained fame by predicting results at the World Cup, died in his tank on Tuesday morning at the Sea Life aquarium in Oberhausen, Germany.

Paul correctly predicted the outcome of all seven of Germany’s World Cup matches. He made his predictions by opening the lid of one of two clear plastic boxes, each containing a mussel and bearing a team flag.

Paul, who was 2 1/2 years old, died of natural causes.

‘We had all naturally grown very fond of him and he will be sorely missed,’ Sea Life manager Stefan Porwoll said. ‘We may decide to give Paul his own small burial plot within our grounds, and erect a modest permanent shrine.’

Paul retired from making predictions after correctly picking Spain to beat the Netherlands in the World Cup final.

You have to wonder if Paul knew this day would come. Farewell, our tentacled friend.

-- Houston Mitchell