By now, most of Philadelphia has heard the news about the 19 year old smart, beautiful, UPenn track star Madison Holleran, who jumped to her death last Friday from a parking garage on Spruce Street. One hour before her death, she posted this photo on Instagram of the sun setting over Rittenhouse Square.
Madison was taken to Jefferson hospital and pronounced dead at 7:17 pm Friday evening. Her father, Jim said in an interview that Madison left gifts and a note in the parking garage, but would not go into detail about the content. Madison was one of five siblings and a shining athlete in both soccer and track in high school at Northern Highlands, but chose to pursue track at The University of Pennsylvania. Madison, the New Jersey native, had discussed her unhappiness and thoughts of transferring with her parents, and had been seeking therapy for depression. Madison had achieved a 3.5 her first semester at Penn, and after high school, Penn seemed like just the perfect fit for her. Her father James, 52, spoke with the New York Post and said, âAt the end of high school and going to Penn she was the happiest girl on the planet. It was easy for her in high school.” âThere was a lot more pressure in the classroom at Penn. She wasnât normal happy Madison. Now she had worries and stress,â the heartbroken father explained through tears. He later added, âMy daughterâs stress was self induced, and although we had started her in therapy to address her issues, she hid the severity of those issues from everyone.â
The last contact Mr. Holleran had with his daughter was on Friday afternoon. He texted her to ask if she had gotten her groove back, and with no response, he called her and she told him she was going to see her therapist that afternoon. Her father was hoping the therapist could prescribe her some anti-deppressant medication. This tragedy is the third undergraduate death at UPenn since the start of winter break, as reported by the Daily Pennsylvanian.
Last Tuesday, more than 600 people gathered to remember Madison in Allendale. Today, at her funeral her Father describes his daughter; âI have come up with one word to describe Madison, and this word is âiconic.â Whether it be on the track or on the soccer field, everyone looked up to her as a role model, someone they aspired to be. She was beautiful, kind, cared and loved by so many.” Her older sister, Ashley also spoke out; âMadison was a sister, daughter, aunt, granddaughter, but she wasnât defined by one thing. To everyone she was something different. I just wish and pray that Madison is truly at peace now.â
This story is especially tragic and had a profound effect on collegiates all over the country. Madison seemingly had it all; an Ivy League education, popularity, and she was a star athlete. Not to mention, Madison was stunningly beautiful. Looking from the outside, no one would ever guess that she struggled so deeply. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 80% of college students say that they experience daily, frequent stress. 34% of students have felt depressed within the last three months and and 13% have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. 9% of students have seriously contemplated suicide within the past year. If you have seen a change in yourself or a friend recently, and want to talk to someone about it, SJU has all the resources you need. Counseling and Psychological Service (CAP) offers individual counseling, group counseling and Outreach and Consultation. Appointments can be scheduled by phone (610) 660-1090 or students with urgent concerns can walk into 54 LaFarge Hall daily from 11:00-12:30 pm. The CAP office is located in Merion Gardens and operates 8:30am-4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Check out their website here.
On behalf of Her Campus SJU we offer our deepest condolences to Madison Holleran’s family and friends.
Rest in Peace, Madison.
HCXO