I once read that the name SoRaya means to stir curiosity and inspire discovery under
the stars. That was our SoRaya in every way. She was endlessly curious, brimming with adventure, and had a spirit that was as wild and free as the wind. She was always eager to embrace something new, her fearlessness matched only by her deep love for those around her. She had this incredible ability to put others first, especially her three younger sisters, who adored her with all their hearts. SoRaya had a gift for making people smile— she’d tease and joke just to hear their laughter. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, her confidence and warmth evident in every word.

Our SoRaya was a beautiful paradox, a radiant blend of so many contrasting traits. She was truly one of a kind, our shining sunshine.

We had just returned from a family camping trip over Labor Day weekend and were unloading the car together. I found SoRaya inside, putting on makeup, and reminded her that school was the next day. She simply smiled and said she knew, but she wasn’t going anywhere.

Around 4:30 that morning, I woke with a heavy feeling in my spirit. I walked around her room, but she wasn’t there. I went downstairs and remembered hearing sirens in the distance. As I folded my husband’s clothes, I felt a strange sense of disorientation and went back to bed.

The next thing I knew, there was a pounding on our front door. As the police began
to speak with my husband, telling him that his wife had died in an accident, I came downstairs. In the midst of the confusion, we realized that my AirPods—something SoRaya had been using—had led to the identification. Our world was torn apart. SoRaya had been riding her bike on the sidewalk when she was struck by a garbage truck. The truck was pulling out from a business during its regular collection route. She collided with the passenger side of the truck and was pulled underneath. She died instantly.

I want to share something important from our heartache to help others. Please, always be aware of your surroundings. Our SoRaya was wearing AirPods when she was riding her bike, and she didn’t hear the garbage truck coming. If she had been more aware of her environment, perhaps this tragedy could have been avoided. It’s so easy to get lost in music or distractions, but being alert and present can make all the difference. We hope that by sharing this, others can stay safe and avoid a similar heartbreak.

I find solace in imagining her breathing deep in the fresh mountain air of Montana, but that does little to ease the ache of her absence. Her smile no longer lights up the room. Our sunshine is gone, and our hearts are broken. We miss her every single day.