How Did Two Young SMU Graduates Die in a Suspected Hit-and-Run Crash in Dallas?

Julian Harris, 23, and Madison "Madi" Duren, 22 — a young couple and recent graduates of Southern Methodist University — were killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Dallas, Texas, on 6 October 2026.

What happened near White Rock Lake

The crash happened on Oct. 6 at the intersection of Garland Road and Magellan Circle, near the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake. Dallas police responded to a reported three-vehicle crash, but one vehicle had already left the scene.

Investigators believe the couple, who were driving their Prius, pulled out onto Garland Road and were T-boned. Harris was pronounced dead at the scene. Duren was taken to hospital, where she later died.

The second vehicle, a Hyundai Elantra, was carrying a woman and two children, ages 1 and 3, in car seats. That family was injured and survived.

A suspected hit-and-run

Dallas police are treating the crash as a hit-and-run investigation. Police have not provided an update on the third vehicle that fled the scene, nor said whether speed was a factor. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

Tributes from the theater community

Both Duren and Harris were widely celebrated talents in the North Texas performing arts community. Duren graduated from SMU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater, and Harris graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater with honors, a year apart.

"They were like the Romeo and Juliet of our building," said Tina Parker of Kitchen Dog Theater. "They are 22 and 23 years old. They just graduated college."

Just two days before the crash, Harris had starred in a show at Kitchen Dog Theater in Dallas called "The Absentee."

Frequently asked questions

Who were the two people killed in the Dallas crash?

Julian Harris, 23, and Madison "Madi" Duren, 22 — a young couple, both recent SMU graduates with BFAs in theater, active in the North Texas theater scene.

When and where did the crash happen?

On 6 October 2026, at the intersection of Garland Road and Magellan Circle in Dallas, near the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake.

What caused the crash?

Investigators believe the couple's Prius pulled out onto Garland Road and was T-boned. Dallas police say a third vehicle fled the scene; the investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made.

Were there other people hurt?

Yes. A Hyundai Elantra involved in the crash was carrying a woman and two children, ages 1 and 3, in car seats. That family was injured and survived.