“Gidget,” the perky Chihuahua star of Taco Bell’s 1990s television commercials has died from an airway obstruction after trying to wolf down a large burrito with sour cream. Gidget was 15.

“It’s kind of ironic,” said Karin McElhatton, the famous TV dog’s owner. “Ever since we started the Taco Bell campaign back in 1997, we kept Gidget on a strict Tex-Mex diet. Aside from some episodes of gas, that food suited her quite well. Until today, that is, when she choked on that tortilla.”

McElhatton made the horrific discovery after feeding the tiny pooch her noon meal.

“I came back from the other room, only to find her there on the floor,” added McElhatton, wiping back tears. “There she was, on her back, tongue hanging out the side of her mouth and all four paws straight up in the air. You just don’t know how shocking that is. Poor, poor thing!”

People in the community were equally saddened by the news.

“That little dog was a gem. She’s gonna be missed by all of us here in the neighborhood,” said next-door neighbor Sue Chipperton, with a long face. “People from all over used to drive by, hoping to get a glimpse of the famous Taco Bell dog in the front yard. But now she’s gone. It brings a tear to the eye.”

McElhatton plans to have the dog cremated, rolled up in a large chalupa and buried in her back yard. Officials at Taco Bell Corp. sent their condolences, along with coupons for two free meals.