A Big Ten mascot was involved in a fatal car accident in Indiana last week.
The Big Ten is home to some of the most famous mascots in the world. Ohio State has Brutus Buckeye, Michigan State has Sparty, Nebraska has Lil’ Red. Purdue, meanwhile, has the Boilermaker Special. It’s an actual train that can be driven onto the football field – or driven up to 75 MPH on a highway.
Tragically, the mascot was involved in a fatal accident on a highway in Indiana last week.
Last Thursday, April 24, the Boilermaker Special was driving when it’s believed to have had a tire problem. It slid across the median and onto oncoming traffic, colliding with another vehicle.
One person was killed, while multiple others were taken to the hospital.
“We can confirm our Boilermaker Special was involved in a serious multi-vehicle accident in Tippecanoe County this afternoon. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the incident,” Purdue confirmed in a statement.
“The two students who were on the Special have been treated and released from the hospital.”
Purdue University Statement on Boilermaker Special Crash (April 24, 2025) We can confirm our Boilermaker Special was involved in a serious multi-vehicle accident in Tippecanoe County this afternoon. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the incident.
— Purdue University (@LifeAtPurdue) April 24, 2025
Photos have since emerged of the accident and they are pretty terrible.
“Purdue’s Boilermaker Special was involved in a deadly crash Thursday afternoon,” WTHR reported.
“Deputies believe the college mascot had a “possible tire malfunction” when it crossed the center line and hit a car.”
Purdue's Boilermaker Special was involved in a deadly crash Thursday afternoon. Deputies believe the college mascot had a "possible tire malfunction" when it crossed the center line and hit a car.MORE: https://t.co/exr3KX0Sq2 (📸: Purdue Exponent) pic.twitter.com/EuyVWO0yrD
— WTHR.com (@WTHRcom) April 25, 2025
Our thoughts continue to be with the friends and family members of the victim this week.
May they rest in peace.
