Bernie Sanders’ unofficial mascot 'Bernie Baby' dies suddenly of cot death

The baby captured Bernie Sanders’ - and the world’s attention

The Bernie Baby was an instant success (Souxsie Lomas)

A baby that caught the world’s attention at a Bernie Sanders rally in Nevada has tragically died of cot death.

First reported by CBS News, Oliver Jack Carter Lomas-Davis aka the “Bernie Baby” died on 25 February when he was just four months old due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, according to a family memorial page.

The page read: “Oliver's mother, aunt, and family are mourning the tragic and surprising loss of this incredible baby boy.”

His mother wrote on Facebook: “I love you dearly, I love you most. I love you with all my heart and soul. I know that God will keep you near since God and truth are here.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 3,500 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly each year in the US.

His mother had dressed up Oliver to look like Bernie Sanders at a rally on 14 February with wiry white hair and black glasses. Photos of the happy baby became an instant sensation.

A GoFundMe page set up by Oliver’s family has raised more than $17,000 to cover funeral expenses. He will be buried on 7 March.

“The excess funds will be used for his mother’s counseling,” the page read.