Rising R&B Star Soriah Barry Killed in Horror East London Crash
Soriah Barry, 27, a promising R&B singer on the brink of stardom, died in a shocking collision with a double-decker bus in east London just days before a life-changing meeting with Apple Music.
Star’s Final Hours and Bright Future Cut Short
The tragic smash occurred just before 7am on February 8, 2024, moments after Soriah dropped off a friend. Despite rushed hospital treatment, she succumbed to her injuries.
Soriah’s mother, Saphiatu, revealed that her daughter was due to meet Apple Music the following week to secure a release for her songs. Apple Music has promised to honour her memory by uploading her tracks.
Following in the footsteps of her aunt, celebrated singer Jamilah Barry, Soriah was hailed as the “full package” by her other aunt Malika Barry, who said, “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.”
The Crash Uncovered: What Went Wrong?
CCTV revealed Soriah’s car veered into a stationary Hackney bus before a fiery bang and smoke erupted from both vehicles.
- She was driving at around 35mph, having accelerated from 23mph
- The bus driver thought she was trying to park in front of him
- A witness found her trapped, airbags deployed; she said, “No, I’m not” when asked if she was okay
- Passers-by tried to save her as she went into cardiac arrest before paramedics arrived
Traffic chaos delayed her hospital journey by two hours. Disturbingly, some bystanders filmed her injured on the road and posted the footage on TikTok.
Inquest Reveals Heartbreaking Details
The coroner ruled Soriah died from internal bleeding and severe liver damage. She had been at a party the night before but was under the drink-drive limit and considered a “safe driver.” However, she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt.
The cause of the crash remains a mystery. The coroner said, “For approximately three seconds, Soriah failed to take evasive action. I cannot say what caused her lack of awareness.” Her family suspect she was distracted or accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.
“Soriah was a loyal person, always there for everyone in life. She was an aspiring singer. She was inspiring and very, very loved. We will never get over this. She was amazing and will always be in our hearts.” – Family statement
Honouring Soriah’s Life and Legacy
Saphiatu has kept Soriah’s bedroom untouched since her death, barring old KFC boxes, preserving her memory.
A GoFundMe set up by her aunt reads: “Soriah was fierce, loyal and wow – so full of life. She touched many hearts. We want to give her the farewell she deserves. Losing her so suddenly has devastated us. Any donation – big or small – means the world.”
