Duolingo owl ‘killed’ after Tesla Cybertruck crashes into mascot

‘Duo’, the Duolingo mascot known for his guilt-tripping ways to get people to learn new languages, is dead. He was 3,025 years old.

His death was confirmed by the language learning company’s social media accounts on Tuesday.

Duolingo, which first hired Duo to be the app’s mascot in 2010, did not list a cause of death but noted the owl had ‘many enemies’.

But Duolingo revealed there has been a major breakthrough in a police investigation into Duo’s death – he was struck in a hit-and-run involving a speeding Tesla Cybertruck.

The Pittsburgh-based company said in an Instagram post: ‘Reward for whoever can identify the driver. Please post any leads on Instagram. Thank you for your patience with us during these trying times.’

Footage showed Duo, full name Duo Keyshauna Renee Lingo, at a car park at an undisclosed location when the Cybertruck hit his left side. An explosion followed as the animal fell to the floor.

Duo’s spirit was seen rising to the heavens and through the abyss around the Milky Way before soaring through Hell.

The police have not issued an official statement on Duo’s death but, according to Duolingo, have said ‘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,’ it said.

Mourners – and conspiracy theorists – flooded the post, with one writing: ‘Of COURSE it was a Cybertruck! OF COURSE!!! We’ll avenge you, Duo!’

Another added: ‘I think Duo faked his [death] and he’s going to come back with a new album.’

Duolingo initially suggested in a statement confirming Duo’s death that the owl, formally known as The Duolingo Owl, died ‘waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know’.

‘But what do we know?’ the language learning app added. ‘We’re aware he had many enemies, but we kindly ask you to refrain from sharing why you hate him in the comments.’

Duo Lipa is among those who have weighed in on the tragedy. ‘Til’ death duo part,’ the pop star wrote on X.

The World Health Organisation also wrote on X: ‘May your cause of death be identified ASAP. One thing we know for sure: It’s not smallpox, because the disease has been eradicated since 1980.’

‘If you feel inclined to share, please also share your credit card number so we can automatically sign you up for Duolingo Max in his memory.’

Some handled Duo’s death a little differently. ‘Does this mean no more 6am notifications threatening me because I haven’t done a lesson before I’ve woken up?’ one joked.

Duo is the first Duolingo character to die, according to the fan-made Duolingo Wiki.

A representative for Duolingo previously told The Tab: ‘We can confirm the statements in our recent social posts are true. It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mascot, Duo the Owl.

‘For years, he tirelessly reminded millions to do their language lessons—sometimes with gentle nudges, sometimes with sheer, unhinged persistence. But even the most relentless of birds can only take so much. Our app icon reflects this tragic loss with “Dead Duo”.

‘There is an ongoing investigation that we cannot comment on extensively at this time.

‘We know no owl as dedicated as Duo just drops dead without a story. Keep an eye on our social channels as we uncover the shocking (and possibly absurd) truth behind his untimely demise.’

It’s a bizarre marketing move, but Duolingo is no stranger to publicity stunts.

Last year in a clip uploaded to TikTok by the official Duolingo account, celebrity plastic surgeon Dr Miami – real name Michael Salzhauer – Duo underwent a consultation, dressed in a hospital gown, with Dr Miami.

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