On October 31, 1903, a tragic train collision occurred in Indianapolis, Indiana, resulting in the deaths of 17 people, including 14 members of the Purdue University football team. The team was traveling back from a game against Evansville when their train collided with a freight train as they were passing through a switchyard. The impact of the collision was catastrophic, causing immediate fatalities and numerous injuries among the players and other passengers on board.

The Purdue football team was at the peak of its popularity and had enjoyed a successful season leading up to the accident. The collision attracted widespread media attention, with many articles detailing the lives of the players lost and the circumstances surrounding the crash. Eyewitnesses described the aftermath as chaotic, with first responders working tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the wreckage, while the community mourned the loss of its young athletes.

Following the tragedy, significant scrutiny was directed at railroad safety protocols, and the incident prompted a reevaluation of regulations governing train travel. Public outcry for improved safety measures led to reforms that aimed to prevent similar accidents in the future. The Purdue Wreck remained a pivotal moment in both college sports and railroad safety history, marking a deep emotional scar on the university and the broader community.