A 20-year-old student from the Tufts University of Massachusetts has tragically choked to death during a hotdog eating competition last week.
Madelyn "Madie" Nicpon - a promising young lacrosse player - died at a Boston hospital a day after she fell unconscious at an off-campus charity fundraiser, according to Journal News.
Nicpon was a student leader for Suffern High School Class of 2019 and an athlete.
"A native of Suffern, New York, Madie was a biopsychology major, a member of the women's lacrosse team, and an active member of our community," Tufts University said in a statement.
"In the face of this painful loss, our hearts go out to Madie's family and friends."
The university added that a memorial held for the lacrosse player on Sunday, October 17, was attended by thousands of students who paid tribute to Madie, per New York Post.
"Last night, approximately 3,000 students, faculty and staff gathered at the Gantcher Centre to remember Madie and to support each other in our grief, then processed by candlelight to Bello Field, where Madie had spent many hours with her teammates and friends," the statement said.
"The number of community members who turned out to lend support to each other, to Madie's friends, and to her family was a testament to how many lives Madie touched during her time at Tufts."
Tributes also poured in on social media for Madie - who was lovingly nicknamed "Scooter" on her team. She was class president at Suffern with a grade-point average that exceeded 4.0, the paper said.
"Scooter was a true friend and teammate," her team wrote on Instagram. "She truly valued her relationships with her teammates and coaches. Her reach was far beyond our team - she was a true connector on campus and touched every single person she met."
A GoFundMe page has been created to cover the funeral cost of Nicpon where she was remembered as a loving daughter and granddaughter.
"Madie Nicpon was a beautiful and brilliant daughter, granddaughter, sister, and friend. Her contagious smile and laughter lit up every room. Her generosity and kindness has left a lasting impact on those around her. Please consider donating to assist the family in covering funeral and medical expenses," it said.
