We share the Earth with wondrous creatures. A 50 year lifespan would indicate natural causes, old age simply put, that ended this whale's song. Hopefully it was not a collision with a large ship. It would be nice if the NMFS posted a follow -up and let us all know what they learned from the necropsy. In death, Festus might teach humankind something about his life that may help us all in living more equitably with nature.