Griffins are creatures of Greek mythology. They'll never die they have a life cycle. So to answer your question "the griffin" didn't die, "a griffn" died. Just like this wonderful answer above, they DO have a life cycle, just like phoenixes! Griffins lived a long time, and when they die, they will get reborn
Geoff Griffin died in 2006.
Buck Griffin died in 2009.
Henry Griffin died in 1866.
Lepel Griffin died in 1908.
Bartholomew Griffin died in 1602.
Larry Griffin died in 1995.
Marty Griffin died in 1951.
Samuel Griffin died in 1810.
Edna Griffin died in 2000.
Murray Griffin died in 1992.
Griffin Higgs died in 1659.
Corn Griffin died in 1973.