Purdue’s Mascot Involved in Fatal Crash on U.S. 52

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue Boilermaker Special, the university’s official mascot, was involved in a fatal crash just before 4 p.m. Thursday on U.S. 52, according to the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office. The incident led to the death of the driver of a southbound car after the Boilermaker Special crossed the median and collided with the vehicle.

Tippecanoe County sheriff’s Chief Deputy Terry Ruley confirmed the collision. Although Ruley could not verify if a tire on the Boilermaker Special blew out, witnesses reported seeing the special blow a tire before the crash occurred.

Lyndsay Lehr, a resident of Stockwell, Indiana, described the scene, stating that she saw the crash unfold in her rearview mirror and immediately called 911. She mentioned that the Boilermaker Special seemed to lose control after blowing a tire.

Two individuals aboard the Boilermaker Special were taken to local hospitals for precautionary checks, but their injuries were not severe. The identities of those involved, especially the deceased driver of the passenger car, have yet to be released.

Following the accident, the area near the intersection of U.S. 52 and Wyandotte Road was littered with debris from both vehicles. Photographs shared on social media show the Boilermaker Special crumpled on the roadside after the impact.

Deputy Charles Wright of the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the driver of the passenger car suffered fatal injuries, but details on whether she lost control or the circumstances leading to the crash are still unclear. The Boilermaker Special was reportedly attempting to avoid something on the road before it crashed.

Purdue University spokesperson Trevor Peters directed all inquiries regarding the crash to the sheriff’s office, mentioning that they may issue a public statement later Thursday or the following day. The situation continues to develop as the investigation unfolds.