Tufts University student-athlete chokes to death during eating contest for charity

By Rhondella Richardson

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    SOMERVILLE, Massachusetts (WCVB) — A student-athlete at Tufts University choked to death during an eating contest that was being held for charity.

A close friend told NewsCenter 5 that Madie Nicpon, a 20-year-old junior lacrosse player, choked during a hot dog eating contest held at an off-campus home on Sunday. She died of her injuries at Massachusetts General Hospital on Sunday.

The hot dog eating contest was part of the “Play for Pink” breast cancer awareness day and fundraiser, which many Tufts student-athletes attended. The off-campus home where the fundraiser was held is on College Avenue.

Tufts students told NewsCenter 5 that Nicpon, a biopsychology major from Suffern, New York, is being remembered for her giving spirit.

“We are heartbroken over the loss of Madie Nicpon ‘23 — a member of Tufts Lacrosse and an incredible person that reached every corner of the Tufts University Community,” reads an Instagram post from the Tufts Lacrosse account. “Madie will be remembered as a bright light, a social butterfly, an amazing teammate, a kind and generous person, a wonderful sister and daughter and a Jumbo that we can all aspire to emulate. She will be missed every day.”

A candlelight vigil in Nicpon’s honor was held Sunday at Bello Field, where the Tufts women’s lacrosse team plays its home games. Approximately 3,000 people attended the vigil.

A GoFundMe page has been started to help Nicpon’s family cover the cost of medical and funeral expenses.

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