Madison Holleran: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

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Madison Holleran of Allendale, New Jersey, was just 19-years-old when she leaped to her death off of a parking garage in Center City, Philadelphia on January 17, reports NJ.com.

The beautiful teenager was already a track star at the Ivy-league University of Pennsylvania.

Here’s what you need to know about this tragedy:

1. Holleran’s Father Has Said She Left a Note

In an interview with The New York Post, Holleran’s father, James, said that his daughter was getting stressed of schoolwork and had begun seing a therapist to help her cope. He added that his daughter left a note and gifts for her family at the the place where she took her life. The beautiful athlete’s funeral has been set for Tuesday January 22 at Guardian Angel Church in Allendale, New Jersey, Holleran’s family has asked that donations be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Holleran’s name.

2. She Was a Dual-Sport Star

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In New Jersey, where she attended Northern Highlands Regional High School, Holleran was a prodigy. The Star-Ledger named Holleran in the 2013 all-state teams for both track and soccer. The Ledger wrote about her saying:

Another repeat First Team All-State selection, she displayed playmaking skills as well as a terrific scoring touch when needed to carry her team to a second straight undefeated season and Group 3 title. Headed to Penn for track, Holleran used her speed to register 22 goals and 11 assists to finish sixth in school history for career points (164).

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3. She Had Just Started in College

Holleran was in her freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania. She was majoring in politics, philosophy and economics. Her profile on the college’s website indicates she is the daughter of Stacy and James Holleran. In a New York Post interview, James Holleran said his daughter was the middle child of five. He three sisters are 26, 20 and 16, she also had a 15-year-old brother.

4. She Was Active on Social Media Just Before Her Death

She posted this beautiful picture on Instagram just hours before her death. The comments thread on the posting have now become a place of mourning for those wishing to pay their respects. The last photo was taken less than half a mile from where Holleran’s body was found.

Her Twitter account is adorned with the tragically poignant phrase, “The more you laugh, the longer you live.”

The tragedy occurred here, at Spruce Street in Philadelphia:

5. There Has Been an Outpouring of Grief Following Holleran’s Death

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The University of Pennsylvania and her former high school have released heartbreaking statements. In addition, the University of Pennsylvania have canceled formal sorority activities that were due to begin on January 20. University of Pennsylvania President Amy Gutmann said:

The entire Penn community is deeply saddened by the death of Madison Holleran. She was bright and well-liked with an incredible future ahead of her. There are simply no words that can properly convey the sense of heartache that we all feel at such a tragic loss.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.

Her track coach at Penn, Eric Dolan said:

Our thoughts and prayers are with [Holleran’s] family and friends. This is a challenging time for everyone involved with the program, but we will support each other in the weeks to come and help her teammates and friends find their own ways to honor her memory.

We will always carry her in our hearts.

Her former high school said:

As our school community mourns the loss of Madison, we extend our love and prayers to the Holleran family as they grieve and we respect their privacy during this extremely difficult time.