Duolingo reveals owl mascot killed by cybertruck
After killing off its star mascot — Duo the owl — Duolingo provided answers Wednesday behind the sudden death.
On Wednesday morning, Duolingo posted on social media that officials have identified Duo’s cause of death after singer Dua Lipa posted about the devastating news.
UPDATE: Officials have identified cause of death. More details to follow.
Thank you for holding space for Dualingo. ???? https://t.co/cecyD6KIHi
— Duolingo (@duolingo) February 12, 2025
The mystery was solved at around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday when Duolingo posted a video of Duo’s death: he had been hit by a cybertruck.
UPDATE: Reward for whoever can identify the driver. Please post any leads on Twitter.
Thank you for your patience with us during these trying times. #Ripduo pic.twitter.com/zv8QxtNh9E
— Duolingo (@duolingo) February 12, 2025
“Thank you for your patience with us during these trying times. #Ripduo,” the post reads.
The Pittsburgh-based language learning app initially told the public the news of Duo’s death Tuesday via an “important message” on its social media pages.
an important message from Duolingo pic.twitter.com/jTTT680yVs
— Duolingo (@duolingo) February 11, 2025
“Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death, and we are cooperating fully,” the message with a black background reads. “Tbh, he probably died waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know.”
Duolingo, with headquarters on Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh, said it was aware that Duo had “many enemies,” but the company is kindly asking to refrain from sharing any hate toward him in comments.
The company said in lieu of flowers, people should complete a Duolingo lesson on the app in the owl’s honor.
In lieu of flowers, please do a Duolingo lesson. pic.twitter.com/4CTl2Jc6Oe
— Duolingo (@duolingo) February 11, 2025
We’ve heard from authorities the best way to channel your grief and unlock more about the investigation is to do your lesson.
Together, if we really try, we can bring Duo back. #RipDuo pic.twitter.com/nkEG840EHN
— Duolingo (@duolingo) February 12, 2025
Megan Swift is a TribLive reporter covering trending news in Western Pennsylvania. A Murrysville native, she joined the Trib full time in 2023 after serving as editor-in-chief of The Daily Collegian at Penn State. She previously worked as a Jim Borden Scholarship intern at the Trib for three summers. She can be reached at mswift@triblive.com.
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