Bulldog mascot collapses, dies during campus festival

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (AP) — A college campus in Rhode Island is in mourning after its bulldog mascot collapsed and died during a campus festival.

Bryant University President Ron Machtley announced on Thursday that the mascot, named Ironclad Tupper I, died peacefully Wednesday night of an apparent stroke.

A posting by Tupper's caregivers on his Facebook page says he suddenly collapsed in the middle of the school's Festival of Lights. It says he died doing what he loved — being adored.

Machtley says Tupper was beloved as Bryant's first official mascot, and was a "wonderful symbol of grit and determination for our students.