Duolingo CEO Breaks Silence On Duo's Shocking Death; 'Spanish Or Vanish?'

After days of mourning and asking questions about what's going on over at Duolingo, Luis von Ahn, the company's co-founder and CEO, has finally broken his silence with a powerful message to fans.

Duo, the Duolingo owl, was killed in a tragic accident with a Cybertruck a few days ago. Not long after Duo's untimely death, the other characters at Duolingo also met their maker. This has spiraled to affect many other popular brands with their mascots also dying, and fans have been watching from afar confused and amused.

On Friday, the brand's CEO shared some insight into this horrible tragedy (or possibly brilliant marketing campaign) in a TikTok video that quickly went viral.

The brand's CEO has finally broken his silence on all the action that's been going on lately.

"I have prepared a statement that I will read in light of recent events," he began his TikTok video. "As I'm sure you've seen by now, Duo was hit by a Cybertruck. And it looks like, in fact, every character at Duolingo is dead."

He continued saying, "On behalf of their friends, family, and Dua Lipa, we honor their memory."

The CEO continued his somber message to share that, "Duo finally answered the question he posed to so many of us - Spanish or vanish?"

"It's hard to believe that just last week, I was speaking to Lily. Right before she ended the video call, she told me he was okay. These words will echo in my soul for eternity," he continued. "We know he threatened many of you, sometimes gently, sometimes with unhinged persistence. But it was never personal."

He also shared that Duo's mission was to make education accessible, "one terrifying notification at a time."

"Now, Duo's streak on earth has ended. It's our turn to stand together to continue his legacy," von Ahn continued. "We're carrying the torch forward as a company, as a team, and as friends."

He concluded his message saying, "We're excited to rise up to the occasion in the face of the loss of our twerking, fuzzy, lime green, fictional, crusty old friend. So in his honor, let's do what he would have wanted - open up the app, do a lesson, and share your fondest memories."

He ended his conclusion with what could be a hint - "Keep the flame lit for Duo. Who knows, he might just come back."

The CEO's video quickly went viral with more than 3 million views currently and 7,600 comments from brands and fans.

Starburst said, "Here for the lore," and The Weather Channel wrote, "Forecast: 100% chance of tears." Scrub Daddy, who created their own storyline involving Duo's death shared, "I’m spiraling." Vita Coco wrote, "He wasn’t fictional to me." Tree Hut added, "It’s always the cyber trucks."

One fan shared, "Cries in the language I'm learning on Duolingo," and another asked, "Have you tried CPR to 'Not Like Us' by Kendrick?"

Another fan shared a thought that's likely on the minds of many others, "Please don't let this be a rebranding, Duo is too much of an icon to lose."

Duolingo must have realized their mascot and other company characters hold a special place in the hearts of many so they came up with a way to help fans with their mourning and make some money in the process.

"2025 has got us all knocked down, but not to worry! We're monetizing grief because we are a corporation," a recent TikTok video shares. "For the low price of $29.95, you can prove you really love Duo and friends with a custom coffin! Why process your emotions when you can process a payment?"

They shared that proceeds from the sale go into "funding more of our stupid marketing ideas."

Fans can purchase the limited time plushies on the website.

While it's not new for Duolingo to be slightly unhinged in their marketing, fans weren't quite ready for them to kill off their beloved and well-known mascot, Duo.

A few days ago, out of nowhere, the brand announced the untimely death of Duo, the face of the brand.

"It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as The Duolingo Owl , is dead," they wrote in a statement on social media. "Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death and we are cooperating fully."

The message went on to share more of the sad story, and concluded with, "We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa's privacy at this time," which opened the door for the popular singer to join in on the action. And in turn, many brands began mourning the owl's death, and began to create content with their mascot, tying them to Duo in hilarious ways. Many brands also shared their condolences and jokes in the comment section of the post.

Cap'n Crunch wrote, "The internet will never be the same," and Meow Mix shared, "MY CAT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE." Many others also chimed in with their own thoughts in the comment section.