Fatal Crash Involving Purdue's Boilermaker Special Blamed on Tire Malfunction

A "possible tire malfunction" led to a fatal crash involving the Boilermaker Special, Purdue University's official mascot, on Thursday. According to the sheriff's office, the vehicle experienced a possible tire malfunction that caused it to leave the road and cross the median area.

Preliminary investigation indicates the Boilermaker Special experienced a possible tire malfunction, causing the vehicle to leave the left side of the roadway and cross the median area. The Sheriff’s Office is continuing with our investigation into any additional mechanical issues that may be related to the crash.

Two Purdue students, Madison Cook, 20, of Noblesville, who was driving, and Taylor Melton, 22, of Rockport, a passenger, received injuries and were treated at a Lafayette hospital. The crash occurred just before 4 p.m. Thursday on U.S. 52 and Wyandotte Road near Lafayette.

The Purdue Reamer Club operates the Boilermaker Special, which travels to sports events and campus activities.