Just days since SeaWorld San Diego announced its final orca show would be held on 8 January, the marine park brand’s most famous animal, Tilikum, has died.

The 36-year-old orca was an icon of SeaWorld for decades. Tilikum was also known for causing the death of trainer Dawn Blancheau in 2010, a tragic story that became the subject of the Blackfish documentary that severely damaged the company’s public image.

The SeaWorld Cares blog confirmed that the orca died this morning “surrounded by the trainers, care staff and veterinarians that provided him around-the-clock world-class care”.

The cause of death is not yet known, but the release states Tilikum was being treated for a lung infection and other health issues related to his age.

“Tilikum had, and will continue to have, a special place in the hearts of the SeaWorld family, as well as the millions of people all over the world that he inspired,” said SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby. “My heart goes out to our team who cared for him like family.”

The 40-year-old trainer Brancheau was pulled underwater by the 12,000lb (5,443kg) bull orca at at the Shamu Stadium at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, in February 2010.

SeaWorld, which has not taken orcas from the wild for 40 years, acquired Tilikum from Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria, Canada, when the animal was around 10 years old.

The embattled company has made radical changes under year-long president Manby in order to address criticisms, including ending its orca breeding programme and making the orcas currently at SeaWorld the last generation.

With the remaining killer whales, SeaWorld pledged to end the shows that involve trainers and circus-style tricks, and replace them with an “Orca Encounters” show based on their natural behaviours in the wild.

The company is also investing more in other activities and rides at its parks.