The village of Brightwaters is mourning the death of one of its beloved residents — a wild turkey who, along with its companion, had become a fixture in the heart of the community.

The pair had long been seen together around town, often bringing a smile to the faces of locals and visitors alike.

Now, one is gone, and the other is left to navigate life alone.

These two wild turkeys were a cherished part of the village, often spotted near local shops, perched on benches, and even making themselves at home in the most unexpected of places.

“We’re a small village, and we just kind of adopted them,” said Brightwaters Mayor John Valdini. “They became just one of our neighbors.”

Their antics, like sitting calmly on store benches or even perching high on shelves inside local businesses, made them endearing to everyone in town.

One unforgettable moment occurred at Deangelis Wine & Spirits, when one of the turkeys walked into the store and decided to make itself at home on a high shelf, staying there for about 15 minutes.

“One of them walked in and just jumped up there,” recalled Rich Deangelis, the owner of the store.

But this week, the community was struck with sadness when one of the turkeys was hit by a train and killed. The surviving turkey was later spotted alone - a heartbreaking sight for those who had grown so fond of the pair.

For the people of Brightwaters, the loss of one of the turkeys is more than just the death of a wild animal.

It’s the loss of a beloved, unofficial mascot who had woven itself into the fabric of their daily lives.

And now, with its companion gone, the village watches with sadness as the remaining turkey faces a lonely future.