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My mother's physical therapist had this painted turtle for three years. From all the information I have gathered, the water was clean, the tank was an appropriate size, he had the correct lighting, as well as correct basking and water temperatures. There weren't tiny objects in the tank for the turtle to ingest, and no obvious symptoms of any illnesses. The turtle was fed an appropriate, varied diet daily, as well, with the correct portioning too (basically, caring for the turtle as if he had read the care sheet on this site). But, last week, they found the turtle dead at the bottom of the tank. The only thing that makes me wonder, is that since the turtle was so well cared for, he had never had a vet trip. I'm not familiar with painteds like I am sliders, so are painted prone to internal illnesses that show after some time? At first I thought maybe the turtle drowned, but based on what I've been told about the tank's set up, the turtle had plenty of resting spots. So what can make a turtle just die suddenly, even if their environment is in good shape?

Painteds are tough and in some ways, tougher than RES. Turtles are generally good at hiding their illnesses, and organ failure is often brought up in sudden, unexplained deaths. Usually necropsies can help shed some light.

Thanks Steve, that's what crossed my mind but I really wasn't sure. They buried the turtle so a necropsy isn't possible, unfortunately.

OK. Sorry about your loss.

Well, the turtle wasn't ours, but I will pass the kind regards on, thank you. (Her physical therapist happens to be named Steve, btw).

Alright. Any idea if they will give up turtle keeping?

Not sure, I haven't asked. But after this experience I doubt they would want another turtle. The guy's mother was pretty devastated by it.