Soriah Barry, 27, an up-and-coming R&B singer, was tragically killed in a crash with a double-decker bus in east London just days before a career-changing meeting with Apple Music.
Last Moments and Promising Career
The devastating early morning collision happened shortly before 7am on February 8, 2024, after Soriah had dropped off a friend. Rushed to the hospital, she sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Her mother, Saphiatu, shared that Soriah was due to meet with Apple Music the following week, hoping they would release her songs. Apple Music has since promised to upload her tracks in her memory.
Soriah was building a bright future in music, following in the footsteps of her aunt, the powerhouse singer Jamilah Barry. Her aunt, Malika Barry, praised her talent, saying, “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.”
The Crash: What Really Happened?
CCTV footage revealed Soriah’s car veering towards a stationary bus in Hackney before a loud bang — described like a firework — and smoke erupted from both vehicles.
- She was travelling at around 35mph, accelerating from 23mph moments earlier
- The bus driver thought Soriah intended to park in front of the bus
- A witness found her covered by airbags; when asked if she was okay, she replied, “No, I’m not.”
- Passers-by rushed to help as she went into cardiac arrest before paramedics arrived
It took two hours to get her to the hospital due to rush hour traffic. Shockingly, some witnesses filmed Soriah lying injured on the road and posted the footage on TikTok.
Inquest Findings and Family Reaction
The coroner confirmed Soriah died from internal bleeding and severe liver damage. She had been at a party the night before but was below the drink-drive limit and is described as a “safe driver.” However, the inquest revealed she was not wearing a seatbelt.
The cause of the crash remains unclear. The coroner said, “For approximately three seconds, Soriah failed to take evasive action. I cannot say what caused her lack of awareness.” Her family believes she may have been distracted or mistakenly accelerated instead of braking.
Her family issued a heartfelt statement: “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.”
Remembering Soriah
Saphiatu has kept Soriah’s room untouched since her death, except for removing old KFC boxes. A GoFundMe page set up by her aunt reads: “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.”
