The Chapel Hill community is in mourning following the tragic death of Madeline de Figueiredo, a vibrant young woman and alumna of the University of Chicago, who passed away in a fatal hiking accident in October 2024. The loss is particularly heart-wrenching as it comes just three years after her beloved husband, Elijah Norman Alperin, also a University of Chicago graduate, died in an accident while traveling abroad. The couple’s story, filled with intellectual pursuits, humanitarian service, and global exploration, has been cut tragically short. The deaths of Madeline and Elijah have left their family, friends, and the extended UChicago community grappling with the profound sense of loss and grief.
This article provides a detailed account of Madeline de Figueiredo’s life, her sudden death in a hiking accident, the earlier loss of her husband, Elijah Alperin, and the legacy both left behind. Their story is one of promise, love, and dedication to making the world a better place, now tinged with the sorrow of lives cut far too short.
Madeline de Figueiredo: A Life of Passion, Service, and Scholarship
Madeline de Figueiredo was a woman of many talents and passions. Born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, she grew up surrounded by a family that valued education, kindness, and service to others. From an early age, Madeline exhibited a keen interest in academics and a drive to explore the world beyond her hometown. She attended local schools in Chapel Hill, excelling in her studies and showing particular interest in the social sciences and humanities. Her curious mind and compassionate nature drew her toward issues related to global justice and human rights, laying the foundation for the path she would later pursue at the University of Chicago.
In 2015, Madeline began her undergraduate studies at UChicago, where she quickly distinguished herself as a dedicated and intellectually curious student. Majoring in political science with a focus on international relations, she immersed herself in academic pursuits, eager to understand the complex forces shaping the modern world. Her professors and classmates remembered her as a brilliant student who brought thoughtful insights and a compassionate perspective to every class discussion. She was particularly interested in issues of migration, global inequality, and human rights—topics that would later influence her career and personal life.
Beyond her academic achievements, Madeline was also deeply involved in various extracurricular activities. She participated in student organizations focused on social justice and was an active volunteer, working with local nonprofits that supported marginalized communities in Chicago. She was known for her quiet determination, her strong sense of empathy, and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
It was at the University of Chicago that Madeline met her future husband, Elijah Alperin, in their sophomore year. The two bonded over their shared interests in international relations, history, and humanitarian work. Their connection quickly blossomed into a deep, lasting relationship that was rooted in mutual respect, intellectual curiosity, and a shared passion for exploring the world and making a difference in the lives of others.
The Love Story of Madeline and Elijah: A Shared Journey of Discovery
Madeline and Elijah’s relationship was one marked by a profound sense of partnership. Both were deeply committed to academic pursuits and global issues, and they often collaborated on projects and initiatives during their time at UChicago. Elijah, a native of San Francisco, had an equally impressive academic and humanitarian background. He majored in history, economics, and languages, and had a particular interest in Middle Eastern studies and refugee issues. His passion for languages and cultures was sparked during his childhood when he attended a Japanese bicultural elementary and secondary school, which introduced him to the complexities and beauty of multiculturalism at a young age.
Together, Madeline and Elijah traveled extensively, both during their university years and after graduation. Their mutual love of travel and learning about different cultures became a defining feature of their relationship. Elijah’s work often took him abroad, and Madeline was eager to join him in these adventures, supporting his research and contributing to her own understanding of the global issues they both cared deeply about.
The couple was inseparable, and their friends often remarked on how their intellectual and emotional connection seemed to make them stronger as individuals. They encouraged one another to pursue their passions while remaining committed to the causes they believed in. Whether they were exploring ancient cities, volunteering with refugee communities, or simply spending quiet evenings discussing philosophy and world events, Madeline and Elijah were each other’s biggest supporters.
Their life together was one of shared purpose and unwavering love. They had dreams of building a future in which they would continue their humanitarian work, perhaps settling down in a city where they could raise a family while remaining engaged with the global issues that mattered to them. However, those dreams were shattered in November 2021, when Elijah passed away suddenly in a tragic accident while traveling abroad.
The Loss of Elijah Alperin: A Devastating Blow
The death of Elijah Norman Alperin in November 2021 was a devastating moment for both Madeline and the broader community that knew and loved him. At just 25 years old, Elijah was a bright and compassionate young man whose future was filled with promise. He had been traveling overseas as part of his humanitarian work when the accident occurred, cutting his life tragically short.
Elijah’s passing was not only a personal tragedy for Madeline but also a profound loss for the many people whose lives he had touched through his academic and humanitarian endeavors. Elijah had traveled to over 36 countries by the time of his death, residing in six of them for extended periods. His work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Bulgaria, as well as his role as a case coordinator at the Arab American Family Support Centre in New York City, demonstrated his deep commitment to improving the lives of displaced and marginalized individuals.
In addition to his professional work, Elijah was an active participant in community initiatives back in the U.S. He volunteered with Chicago’s Syrian refugee community during his university years, and his friends described him as someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His death left a gaping hole in the lives of those who knew him, especially Madeline, who struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss of her life partner.
Despite the overwhelming grief she felt in the aftermath of Elijah’s death, Madeline continued to honor his memory by dedicating herself to the causes they both cared about. She sought solace in the work they had done together and found strength in the support of her family and friends. Over time, she began to rebuild her life, though the loss of Elijah remained an ever-present ache.
The Tragic Hiking Accident: Madeline’s Life Cut Short
Nearly three years after Elijah’s passing, tragedy struck once again. In October 2024, Madeline de Figueiredo was involved in a fatal hiking accident while exploring a trail in North Carolina. Details of the accident remain unclear, but it is believed that Madeline was hiking alone when she slipped and fell, sustaining injuries that proved to be fatal. She was discovered by fellow hikers, who alerted authorities, but despite their best efforts, she could not be saved.
Madeline’s death has left her family, friends, and the UChicago community in a state of profound grief. To lose both Madeline and Elijah in the span of just a few years feels like an unimaginable blow to those who knew them. The couple, whose lives were so full of promise, adventure, and purpose, are now gone, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, intellectual rigor, and service to others.
Madeline’s passing has reignited the pain of Elijah’s death for many of their loved ones. The couple’s story—one that began with such hope and love—has ended in heartbreaking tragedy. For Madeline’s family, the grief is compounded by the knowledge that their daughter had already endured so much loss in her young life.
Honoring the Legacy of Madeline and Elijah: A Call to Action
In the wake of these twin tragedies, friends, family, and colleagues of Madeline and Elijah are coming together to honor their memory by continuing the work they were so passionate about. Both were deeply committed to issues of global justice, human rights, and refugee support, and those who knew them best are determined to ensure that their legacy lives on.
A scholarship fund in their name has been established at the University of Chicago, aimed at supporting students who are pursuing degrees in international relations, humanitarian work, or refugee studies—fields that both Madeline and Elijah were passionate about. The Madeline de Figueiredo and Elijah Alperin Memorial Scholarship will provide financial support to students who demonstrate a commitment to using their education to make a positive impact on the world.
In addition to the scholarship fund, a series of community service initiatives have been launched in honor of the couple. Friends and colleagues from their time at UChicago, as well as the various humanitarian organizations they worked with, have organized volunteer events aimed at supporting refugee communities, both in the U.S. and abroad. These initiatives are seen as a fitting tribute to the couple, whose lives were defined by their desire to help others.
Madeline’s family, though devastated by her loss, has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received from friends, colleagues, and strangers alike. They hope that by sharing Madeline and Elijah’s story, they can inspire others to live with the same compassion, curiosity, and dedication that their daughter and son-in-law embodied.
Conclusion: A Story of Love, Loss, and Legacy
The story of Madeline de Figueiredo and Elijah Alperin is one that speaks to the beauty and fragility of life. Both were brilliant, compassionate individuals who dedicated themselves to making the world a better place, and both were taken from this world far too soon. Their love for one another, their passion for justice, and their commitment to helping those in need have left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew them.
As the Chapel Hill and University of Chicago communities come to terms with the tragic loss of Madeline, they are also reminded of the profound impact that both she and Elijah had during their short time on this earth. Their story is a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, there is always hope, love, and the possibility of making a difference.
Though they are no longer here, Madeline and Elijah’s legacy will continue to live on through the work they inspired, the lives they touched, and the memories they left behind. For those who knew them, their story is one of love, resilience, and the power of human connection—a story that will not soon be forgotten.
