The Train Pet of the University of Purdue, the Boilermaker special, participated in a fatal accident on Thursday afternoon in Tippecanoe County, Indiana.
The vehicle crossed the median traveling north over US 52 after a “possible malfunction of the tires”, hitting a car to the south, said the Sheriff’s office of Tippecanoe County in a press release.
The only individual in the south car was declared dead on the scene, agents said. The Forensic Office will release the identity of the victim once her family is notified.
Madison Cook, a 20 -year -old Purdue student from Noblesville, was driving the Boilermaker special at the time of the accident with Taylor Melton, 22, from Rockport, the agents said.
Both students were treated at the hospital and discharged at the hospital on Thursday, the university said in a statement.
“As part of the investigation, toxicology exams will be carried out for both drivers,” authorities said.
The Sheriff’s office said it is investigating any additional mechanical problem that may be related to the accident, with the division of commercial vehicles of the Indian State Police that helps in the investigation.
The Boilermaker Special VII has served as the official Purdue pet since 2011, attended by Purdue Reamer Club.
He said that it is the fastest, strongest and noisy pet in the world, the Boilermaker Special travels throughout the country to attend all Away Away Games in Purdue.
