Limpy, Beloved Reading Turkey, Dies After Getting Hit By Car

READING, MA — A limping turkey that captured hearts in Reading died New Year's Day after getting hit by a car. The administrator of the Limpy the Town Turkey Facebook group, where residents shared pictures, videos and stories of encounters with the charmingly brazen "Limpy," wrote that he was hit Wednesday morning.

Several people were trying to get Limpy away from traffic on West Street when the turkey was struck. A man picked him up, carried him to the Montessori school parking lot and fed him corn, but he "didn't last long," according to the post.

Members of the group – which grew from mere hundreds to over 5,000 Limpy fans since it was founded in October – took to Facebook to share their favorite memories of the unofficial town mascot. Many remarked on Limpy's impact on the community, from bringing residents together in their love for the bird, to sales of Limpy merchandise benefitting local charities.

Limpy skyrocketed to stardom last fall when people started noticing the ornery, but lovable, turkey with a unique gait sparring with buses and mail trucks. Soon enough he had a theme song and an official logo, which adorned everything from t-shirts to bumper stickers.

"Thank you Limpy for all the smiles and laughs," one resident wrote. "I'm going to miss seeing you everyday."

Previously: Hobble, Hobble: 'Limpy The Town Turkey' Wins Hearts In Reading