Promising Singer, 27, Killed in Bus Crash Days Before Apple Music Launch
Soriah Barry, a 27-year-old aspiring singer, tragically lost her life in a devastating collision with a double-decker bus, mere days before she was scheduled to attend a potentially life-changing meeting with Apple Music. The incident occurred on Lea Bridge Road in London, casting a shadow over her burgeoning music career and leaving her family in profound grief.
A Life Cut Short
Soriah was at the cusp of a promising singing career, with Apple Music actively scouting her talent and planning to release her R&B songs. Her family described her as an "amazing and loyal" person, whose life was taken "in the blink of an eye." Pictures of her smiling with siblings adorn the walls of their home, capturing moments from recording studios, family parties, and holidays.
Her mother, Saphiatu, shared that they have kept her room exactly as it was, with her light still on and makeup scattered about. "After a few months, everyone did say I needed to get rid of the KFC still up there," she recounted, highlighting the painful reminders of her absence.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The inquest into Soriah's death revealed harrowing details from the early morning crash. CCTV footage showed her car veering towards the parked bus from the wrong side of the road. Witnesses described a "bang like a firework" before smoke billowed from the vehicles. Accident investigators estimated she was traveling at around 35 mph on impact, having accelerated from 23 mph just seconds before.
Bus driver Elizabeth Kalegga stated that she initially thought Soriah's car was pulling over to park but was violently thrown from her cab when the collision occurred. "I was in shock, it was chaos," she said, adding that the road had been clear prior to the incident.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Bystanders, including witness Curtis Chrissafi, rushed to help after hearing the crash. He found Soriah trapped in her car, faintly responding that she was not okay when asked. Emergency services, including a doctor from the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, arrived swiftly. Dr. Claire Park and her team fought to stabilize Soriah after she went into cardiac arrest, but she succumbed to internal bleeding and severe liver damage at the Royal London Hospital.
The coroner, Adam Smith, concluded that Soriah was not wearing a seatbelt and was not sufficiently alert in the moments before the crash. However, he could not determine the exact cause of her lack of awareness. Toxicology reports confirmed she was below the drink-drive limit, and a nitrous oxide canister found in the car was attributed to a friend, with no evidence of her use.
Family's Heartbreak and Legacy
Soriah's family believes she may have become distracted while driving, possibly confusing the accelerator for the brake as her car drifted. Her mother noted that the delay in reaching the hospital, exacerbated by rush-hour traffic, might have impacted the outcome. "It's crazy to think I actually got there before her," Saphiatu said, recounting the agonizing wait before learning nothing more could be done.
Despite the tragedy, Apple Music has expressed interest in uploading Soriah's songs in her memory, offering a small solace to her loved ones. Her aunt, Malika Barry, emphasized, "She was so talented and beautiful – she was the full package." The family continues to mourn, with her mother adding, "We will never get over this. She was just an amazing person who will always be in our hearts."
