In a frightening turn of events, Billy Corgan’s 8-year-old son, Augustus, narrowly escaped a potential tragedy on October 30.
Augustus was lunching at Madame Zuzu’s—his parents’ eclectic tea shop in Highland Park, Illinois—when a car jumped the curb and careened through the storefront window. Augustus managed to leap out of harm’s way just in time, avoiding injury, while his grandmother, Jenny, suffered minor injuries.
Chloe Mendel Corgan, Corgan’s wife, shared the shocking news on Instagram:
“This afternoon at Madame Zuzu’s, a car (in circumstances which remain under investigation) drove over the curb and into Madame Zuzu’s, crashing through the window and sadly injuring one person — my mother Jenny, who was spending the day and lunching with my son Augustus.” She added, “Thankfully, he was able to leap out of the way and was not injured.” For now, the tea shop will remain closed as the family recovers from the ordeal.
The scene unfolded quickly, rattling onlookers and friends of the couple. Madame Zuzu’s, known as a hub of creativity, tea, and community gatherings, was immediately swarmed by police and first responders. Chloe, 32, and Billy, 57, who were not present at the time, rushed to the scene upon hearing the news.
The incident also unfolds against the backdrop of an exciting time in the couple’s life, as they eagerly await the arrival of their third child. In a heartfelt statement shared with PEOPLE just months earlier, Corgan and Mendel revealed their surprise pregnancy. “We are overjoyed to announce that our family is growing!” Mendel shared, noting that while the pregnancy was unexpected, it has brought immense joy to their family.
The Smashing Pumpkins frontman and his partner are already parents to two young children, Augustus Juppiter and 5-year-old Philomena Clementine. Recently, they shared the baby news with their kids, recounting a mix of excitement and adorable hesitation.
“While Augustus was overjoyed, Clementine shed a few tears of concern,” Corgan shared. “But now, both kids are beaming, and it makes it so much fun to share the joy of bringing more love into our family.”
Billy and Chloe’s love story has been a journey itself. Together since 2012, they have shared a deep connection through their love of music, fashion, and family.
The two got engaged in September 2022 on Chloe’s 30th birthday, and a year later, they exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony with their children by their side. “Our journey to marriage has certainly been unique,” they wrote in a post from their wedding, “but we wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
Apart from the tea shop, Chloe, a designer and entrepreneur, also heads House of Gilles, a luxury couture brand she launched with her celebrated designer father, Gilles Mendel. Her blend of artistic vision and business acumen has made her a key figure in the world of high fashion, echoing Corgan’s legendary status in rock.
In the aftermath of the accident, Chloe shared another Instagram update the following day, assuring fans that her mother, Jenny, was back home and recovering. Madame Zuzu’s, she announced, would reopen soon, ensuring the beloved venue can continue as a sanctuary of art, music, and now, resilient family spirit.