A 16-year-old girl from Alabama has died suddenly on Christmas Day, collapsing just moments after she finished opening presents with her family.
A Tragic Collapse During a Family Call
Scarlett Skye Durden was at her home in Piedmont, Alabama, on Facetime with her father, Marvy, when she suffered a fatal medical episode. Her father was in hospital awaiting a heart transplant at the time. In the middle of their conversation, Scarlett's heart stopped beating and she collapsed.
Her mother, Janice 'Renee' Durden, told local news that she was alerted when her youngest daughter ran to her, saying 'Scarlett's being weird'. She then discovered the teenager unconscious on the floor. Despite the swift response, nothing could be done to save her.
A Family Grappling with Loss and Financial Strain
The family's agony is compounded by a recent car accident involving Scarlett's mother, which left her with neck and back injuries. According to a GoFundMe page set up by the family, they are now struggling with mounting medical bills from that incident alongside sudden funeral expenses.
The page also reveals a family history of heart problems. Scarlett's heart is being examined post-mortem to determine the precise cause of her sudden death.
Her mother expressed profound grief, stating: 'We're not supposed to bury our babies, we're not. It's backwards. I just have to make sure my daughters never forget their sister.'
Remembering a 'Goofy and Loving' Teen with a Bright Future
Scarlett was described by her family as a 'goofy and loving' sophomore at Piedmont High School. She had previously attended Central High School in Carrollton, Georgia, where she was enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC).
Although JROTC participation does not mandate military service, Scarlett's obituary confirmed she intended to serve after graduation. '[She] was just beginning to build a bright future for herself,' the GoFundMe description read.
Her father named her Scarlett Skye because 'a scarlet sky is one of the most beautiful sights you could ever see', a beauty her family says she embodied. Her obituary remembered her for her incredible kindness and the lasting impact she had on those who knew her.
Scarlett Durden is survived by her parents, two sisters, both sets of grandparents, and aunts and uncles. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 2pm in the Miller Funeral Home Dogwood Chapel, with a livestream available for those unable to attend.
