United States

New Jersey Family Visiting University of Notre Dame Hits Flying Turkey

"It is very rare to see a vehicle strike a turkey,” county police said in a statement

A New Jersey family on its way back to the airport after visiting the University of Notre Dame Tuesday collided with a flying turkey on the road, authorities say. 

The Taraboczhia family was headed to O'Hare International Airport in Chicago Tuesday after visiting Notre Dame, where the daughter was recently accepted, according to the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office in Indiana

The Taraboczhias were on U.S. 20 when their rental GMC Yukon collided with the wild turkey, which was flying across the highway, authorities said. 

The 30-pound turkey broke through the glass, became lodged in the center of the windshield, and died.

“While vehicle versus deer crashes are common place, it is very rare to see a vehicle strike a turkey,” police said in a statement.

Authorities noted, however, that mating season has begun and, during this time, more turkeys are spotted close to roadways.

The family suffered minor cuts from the glass and refused medical treatment at the scene.

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