Heather was the daughter of Angie Donahue, granddaughter of Randy Donahue, the sister of James Donahue and the cousin of Cade Merill. Heather lived in Montgomery County, Maryland, and attended Wheaton High School. During a school production of Romeo and Juliet, she became best friends with Rachel Meyer. Heather later attended Montgomery College, studying filmmaking. Michael DeCoto, the film professor, considered her to be one of the best students he'd ever taught. He considered her committed, energetic, and very creative.