Purdue University’s train mascot, The Boilermaker Special, was involved in a fatal crash on Thursday afternoon in Tippecanoe County, Indiana.
The vehicle crossed the median traveling north on U.S. 52 after a “possible tire malfunction,” hitting a southbound car, the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
The one individual in the southbound car was pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said. The coroner’s office will release the victim’s identity once their family is notified.
Madison Cook, a 20-year-old Purdue student from Noblesville was driving the Boilermaker Special at the time of the crash, with 22-year-old Taylor Melton from Rockport, deputies said.
Both students were treated at the hospital and released on Thursday, the university said in a statement.
“As part of the investigation, toxicology exams will be conducted for both drivers,” authorities said.
The Sheriff’s Office said they are looking into any additional mechanical issues that may be related to the crash, with the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Division aiding in the investigation.
The Boilermaker Special VII has served as the official mascot of Purdue since 2011, cared for by the the Purdue Reamer Club.
Claimed to be the world’s fastest, heaviest and loudest mascot, the Boilermaker Special travels across the country to attend all of Purdue’s away football games.
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