TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Former Florida State University President John Thrasher passed away at the age of 81 Friday morning in Orlando, according to a statement from his family.

SAVING BENDIRE’S THRASHER Bendire’s thrashers are songbirds native to the arid lands of the southwestern United States and northwest Mexico. These secretive animals spend much of their time foraging ...

John Thrasher, former president of Florida State University and a longtime state lawmaker, died Friday morning in Orlando, his family said in a statement. He was 81. (Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images) ...

The Center for Biological Diversity has called on U.S. Fish and Wildlife to protect the Bendire's thrasher amid report on declining bird populations.

Thrasher died Friday morning in Orlando surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by spokeswoman Sarah Bascom.

Former Florida State University President John Thrasher, who served in both chambers of the state legislature and was a prominent political figure in Florida, has died. He was 81.

Statement from the Thrasher family "It is with great sadness that the family of former Florida State University President John Thrasher, 81, shares notice of his passing.

John Thrasher, a former Florida House speaker and state senator who served as Florida State University president and co-founded The Southern Group lobbying firm, died Friday in Orlando. He was 81.

John Thrasher, former president of Florida State University and a longtime state lawmaker, died Friday morning in Orlando, his family said in a statement. He was 81. (Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images) ...