Big Tex on Fire, Burned Down: State Fair of Texas Icon Destroyed in 'Electrical' Fire [VIDEO]

Big Tex, the 52-foot-tall metal cowboy who served as an icon for the State Fair of Texas for 60 years, burned down and was destroyed in a supposed electrical fire on Friday (Oct. 19). The Fair (which goes until Sunday) continued on as firefighters scorched out the last of the flames that engulfed Big Tex - all that really remains is the metal frame which the popular Texas giant stood upon.

According to Fair spokeswoman Sue Gooding, "Big Tex is a symbol of everything the state fair stands for. Big Tex is where my parents told me, 'If you get lost, meet at Big Tex.'" Gooding claims the source of the fire is unknown, but that electrical controls move Big Tex's mouth and head and that may have been the cause of his destruction.

Bill Bragg, the man who has voiced Big Tex's narratives and booming "Howdy, folks!" voice for the past 11 years, was told to take the rest of the day off and return next year. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings tweeted that the icon would be rebuilt "bigger and better for the 21st Century." Bragg worked from a small trailer outside of the colossal monument, and was a safe distance away when the fire broke out. "It was a quick end," he told Fox News. All that seems to remain of Big Tex is is hand and colossal belt buckle.

Big Tex, who was made mostly of Fiberglass and steel, Big Tex was built in 1949 as a giant Santa Claus for a Christmas celebration in Kerens, 60 miles south of Dallas. The State Fair bought the unique structure for $750 - it debuted as Big Tex in 1952.

No one was injured in the fire (except Big Tex). Texans will miss their State Fair icon, but a new-and-improved Big Tex looks like he'll make a debut at next year's celebration.

Here are some fans' Twitter reactions to Big Tex's demise:

@CurtisGrimes: "Big Tex on fire...what's this country coming to."

@LexiSaldivar: "Death penalty for whoever set Big Tex on fire. No mercy."

@JHChristensen: "Big Tex caught on fire, I'm taking the rest of the day off to cope with this obvious act of terrorism."