AN aspiring singer died in a tragic crash with a double-decker bus just days before a life-changing meeting for her career.
Soriah Barry died in a devastating early-morning collision in east London after dropping off her friend.
The 27-year-old was rushed to hospital just before 7am on February 8, 2024, but tragically died from her injuries.
Her mum Saphiatu has revealed Soriah was about to meet with Apple Music the week after she died, in the hope they would release her R&B songs.
Soriah was a promising young singer, following in the footsteps of her musical powerhouse aunt Jamilah Barry.
Her mum told the Metro she’s kept the 27-year-old’s room exactly the same since she died – except for throwing away KFC boxes.
Aunt Malika Barry added: “Everything was working well for her.
“The music was going so well, she had a meeting with Apple Music and was going on Spotify. She was so talented and beautiful – she was the full package.”
Apple Music told Soriah’s family they want to upload her songs in memory of the young woman.
She had just returned from a weekend away with friends in an AirBnB when she crashed.
CCTV showed Soriah’s car veering towards a stopped bus in Hackney before a “bang like a firework” was heard and smoke erupted from both vehicles.
An inquest heard she was travelling at around 35mph, after accelerating from 23mph seconds before.
The bus driver said that thought Soriah had crossed the road, intending to park in front of the bus.
The inquest heard from a witness who rushed to help the young singer.
He recalled how Soriah was covered by airbags and he asked if she was okay, and she replied: “No, I’m not.”
Members of the public rushed to help as she went into cardiac arrest, before emergency services arrived.
It took two hours for her to get to hospital, where her mum was waiting, in rush hour traffic.
Horrifically, some witnesses filmed her lying on the road with her clothes open and uploaded the footage to TikTok.
Her cause of death was given as internal bleeding and severe damage to her liver.
The inquest heard she had been to a party the night before but was a “safe driver” and she was below the drink and drive limit.
The coroner concluded she hadn’t been wearing a seatbelt.
But the inquest couldn’t determine a reason why the car crashed.
Her family believe she was distracted at the wheel of the car which they say often veered to the side, and they think she accidentally accelerated instead of braking.
The coroner said: “For approximately three seconds Soriah failed to take evasive action. I cannot say what caused Soriah’s lack of awareness.”
A statement from the family said: “Soriah was a loyal person always there for everyone in life. She was an aspiring singer.
“She was an inspiring person who would have a massive impression on you. She was very very loved. We will never get over this.
“She was just an amazing person who will always be in our hearts.”
A GoFundMe by her aunt Jamilah read: “Soriah was fierce, loyal and wow – so full of life. She touched so many hearts, and we want to honour her with the farewell she deserves.
“Losing her so suddenly has been devastating, and any contribution – no matter how small – would mean the world to us.”
