Tragedy Strikes Big Ten: Unexpected Mascot Accident Leaves Fans and Nation in Shock

Every now and then, sport throws you a curveball so unexpected it stops you dead in your tracks. This week, that curveball came in the form of a tragic accident involving one of the Big Ten’s most iconic mascots—not a person in costume, but Purdue’s very own Boilermaker Special, a roaring train that’s as much a part of the university’s identity as the fightsong. On April 24, what should’ve been a routine cruise to a game turned deadly when a suspected tire malfunction sent the train careening across a median and colliding head-on with a passenger car. It’s a grim moment that reminds us how even traditions built on speed and spectacle aren’t immune to heartbreak. You’ve got to wonder—when mascots hit the road at 75 MPH, are we risking too much? As prayers pour in and the community rallies, the Boilermaker Special’s journey takes on a haunting new meaning. LEARN MORE.

Prayers are pouring in after a fatal Big Ten mascot accident this week.

A notable Big Ten mascot was involved in a fatal car accident earlier this week. The Big Ten is home to some of the top mascots in the country. Brutus Buckeye, Sparty, Big Red and more. Unfortunately, Purdue’s mascot, the Purdue Boilermaker Special, was involved in a fatal car accident on Thursday, April 24.

The accident involved the Boilermaker Special, which is an actual train that can be driven up to 75 MPH, and a passenger car. The train, which is driven to all road football games and other notable athletic and school events, happened in Indiana.

The Boilermaker Special is believed to have had a tire accident, which caused the vehicle to drive across the median, crashing into an oncoming vehicle.

From the report:

Local police officials said the crash involved the train and a passenger car. The driver of the car reportedly died, while two Purdue students onboard the train were taken to a local hospital. Purdue University later confirmed that the students have been released from the hospital.

According to the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred just before 4 p.m. Thursday on US Highway 52 South near the intersection of Wyandotte Road. The crash site is about 11 miles southeast of Purdue University’s campus in West Lafayette.

Purdue University confirmed the accident.

“We can confirm our Boilermaker Special was involved in a serious multi-vehicle accident in Tippecanoe County this afternoon,” spokesperson Trevor Peters said. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the incident.”

Prayers are pouring in for everyone involved.

“This is a tragedy. May all involved fully recover,” one fan wrote.

“Time to shut down taking that thing on highways. Not worth the negatives from what was no doubt an unfortunate accident,” one fan added.

“Praying for everyone involved,” one fan added.

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 are with the friends and family members of the victims on Sunday.

May they rest in peace.