Communities Mourn Death Of College Student From Hudson Valley

SUFFERN, NY — People in her hometown and people at her college are mourning the death of Madie Nicpon, who died in an accident Saturday in Massachusetts during a charity hot-dog eating contest.

Nicpon was a sophomore at Tufts University and a member of the women’s lacrosse team.

In a statement Monday, university officials said 3,000 students, faculty and staff gathered by candlelight to remember her Sunday night. "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."

Nicpon was a star athlete at Suffern High School, playing on the lacrosse, field hockey and indoor track teams. According to her Tufts roster page, her favorite hobbies included playing the kazoo and water sliding.

Suffern Girls Youth Lacrosse also shared their condolences.

A GoFundMe set up after her death has raised more than $140,000. On it, organizer Theresa Osborne said, "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."

To donate, click here.

She apparently choked to death during an off-campus hot dog eating contest that was a charity fundraiser, according to news reports.

Her funeral will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at Church of the Presentation, 271 West Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.