Art, painting, photography, graphic design, band and Domino’s pizza – these were some of Carmen Techau’s favorite things.

Techau, a freshman graphic design major, died in her room at the University Conference Center Oct. 5.

Clark Holdren, Johnson County coroner, said Techau died of natural causes, though he said the specific cause of death is still being determined by a medical examiner.

Kayla Reese, a friend of Techau’s from high school, said her death is hard on her but she could only imagine how hard it is on UCM.

“We called and talked and became really good friends to where we were checking in on each other every day,” Reese said.

Techau’s personality stood out to many people.

“The color of her hair was the exact color of her personality,” Reese said. “She was feisty. She was strong. She was so determined and I am so grateful for getting the opportunity to know her.”

When Techau moved to McDonald County High School her senior year, she started playing the trumpet in the band.

“One of the bass drummers quit after the first show and we desperately needed someone to fill their spot,” Reese said.

Reese said Techau immediately switched from trumpet to bass drum to help the band succeed.

“One of my favorite memories with Carmen was when the four bass drummers crumbled up a piece of music and played baseball. We were laughing so much and having so much fun,” she said.

Reese and Techau traveled to the United Kingdom together over the summer.

“I don’t think back to the huge memories; I think back to the tiny moments that you tend to forget,” Reese said.

“I want people to remember that she was strong. Even if something was pulling her down and she would stand right back up and go the extra mile,” Reese said.

Techau was not only in the band. She was on the tech team and library club in high school.

Brenda Yazmin, a friend of Techau’s from high school, said she was so passionate about her friends and about the things she loved.

Techau also enjoyed space and all different types of music.

“Carmen was really smart at school and everything she did,” Yazmin said. “Her makeup was always perfect. She was very pretty.”

Techau’s personality stuck out to Yazmin.

“She would always help you. She would always send you memes to help you feel better,” she said.

Yazmin said Techau offered to shoot students senior photos and also make sure to give everyone all the copies.

“I want people to remember Carmen as kind. She was so passionate about the band and other things and was an overall kind person,” Yazmin said.

Titus Lee, a freshman art studio major, lived with Techau in the University Conference Center and communicated with her through Snapchat and Facebook.

“Mostly on Snapchat we talked about Domino’s Pizza,” Lee said. “I got Domino’s one time and she was telling me over Snapchat how much she wanted Domino’s. I told her to go get some Domino’s. It was like a week later and she got some Domino’s with her boyfriend.”

Lee said Techau and her boyfriend had a feast with Domino’s Pizza that night.

Lee made a Facebook page for all the freshmen UCM art majors.

“I got to see some of her photography and her artwork and she was amazing,” Lee said.

Lee said her photography consisted of mostly nature photographs.

“Carmen was a kind person. She seemed like she would do anything for anyone to make their day better,” Lee said.