HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (AP) – A very, very old black oak tree has died. The Big Oak was believed to be about 550 years old.

The cause of death was a severe case of Tropical Storm Ernesto, which sent strong winds and heavy rain through the Long Island village of Lloyd Harbor over the weekend, felling the tree Sunday.

The tree, known affectionately to locals as the Big Oak and believed to be the oldest black oak in North America, once stood 90 feet tall.

Lloyd Harbor Mayor Lee Hairr said the oak’s health had suffered over the years, with cables and pipes being used recently to support its gigantic frame.

“You know someone has a terminal disease and they’re very old and majestic and you know their time is limited but you keep hoping they’ll be able to hang on,” Hairr said.

The tree fell about 2:30 a.m. Sunday, splitting its massive trunk and ending its sturdy reign.

Area residents lamented the loss of the Big Oak.

It stood on land owned by former Newsday publisher Raymond Jansen.

Black oaks, which mature after a century and usually live 150 to 200 years, are commonly found in Eastern and Midwestern states. Squirrels, white-tail deer and turkeys are known to savor their acorns.

“It sounds silly,” Gregory Gabriel said, “but it’s like part of the family.”