This week, recent S.M.U. Graduates Julian Harris and Madi Duren sadly passed away due to a car accident in Dallas, Texas. Madi was loved by everyone she encountered and brought the world an unimaginable amount of joy and laughter.

Madi Duren was a clown at heart and in her craft. She gave many amazing dramatic performances that captivated audiences in her clown and comedia work. She once ran her clown class 30 minutes late because she couldn't stop her classmates and professor from laughing. She appeared in a wide range of mainstage and student works at S.M.U. and was always rehearsing for something. Post-graduation, she worked on several projects spanning clown work, plays, and short films. She recently closed a stunning run at Hip Pocket Theatre as the lead Harlequin, captivating audiences and cast members alike. She was one of the most ambitious and fearless performers many have had the pleasure of seeing, and a perfect example of what it means to leave it all on the stage.

Madi Duren was not only an amazing performer, but a bright light in everyone's lives. She always had a smile to give, and something funny to say. Her laugh was loud and infectious. It could send a whole room into a frenzy and made watching shows with her all the more entertaining. She was the glue that held her class together, and no event was worth going to if she wasn’t there; however, she was always present. She made it a point to be involved in every show, event, or hangout that involved the people she loved. She was perfectly selfless, and everyone who knew her can attest to the unparalleled love she had and how willing she was to give it.

Julian and Madi’s relationship was something out of a fairy tale. They were always looking at each other with large doe eyes. They consistently pushed each other to be the best version of themselves, which brought out the beauty in them and in everyone they encountered. Words cannot describe what they had in their friends, family, and the entire Dallas Community. They will be forever missed and loved.

This GoFundMe will directly support Madi Durens' family. In these hard times, the money will help relieve the pressure of travel costs, memorial expenses, and anything else they need, so they can focus on what matters most. Proceeds will go directly to the family, who can access funds through this GoFundMe. We will also set up a separate GoFundMe for Julian Harris’s family, and we recommend donating there as well. Anything helps.