 The man known as the Madhugger in Brainerd has died. Joe Plutt died Thursday, January 17th at the age of 82 in Crosby. Plutt got the name Madhugger as he greeted everyone with a hug, including every student he had during his time as an instructor at Central Lakes College dating back to the 1970s. His popularity led to an appearance on the NBC television show Real People and an interview with People Magazine. The Crosby native was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013. Plutt began teaching at Central Lake College in 1965 when it was called Brainerd State Junior College. He retired from CLC in 2001 and started a scholarship fund after he received a $3,000 donation from a former student. The Joseph Plutt Scholarship Fund has now since grown to $50,000. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.