Alifia Soeryo, 22, identified as victim of freak Adelaide Parklands tree tragedy

The 22-year-old “Swiftie’s” social media page has been swamped with tributes as friends and loved ones react to news of her death in a freak incident.

Alifia Soeryo tragically lost her life after a tree fell on her in city parklands. Picture: Facebook,

An avid bike rider, Taylor Swift fan and loving friend is how Alifia Soeryo has been remembered after she was killed by a falling tree in a freak tragedy earlier this week.

Her younger sister Vianda Soeryo took to Instagram to remember her older sister who she called her “roommate and best friend”.

Alifia Soeryo tragically lost her life after a tree fell on her in city parklands. Picture: Facebook,

“I can’t believe I have to live through this lifetime without you by my side,” she wrote.

“Please keep laughing at me for being a delusional Ferrari fan even when you’re up there.

“I love you endlessly and I’ll make you so proud, until next time kak.”

The post was accompanied by a carousel of images of Alifia and Vianda.

“I love you endlessly,” Alifia’s sister wrote on Instagram. Picture: Instagram

Alifia Soeryo, who was tragically killed by a falling tree, with her sister Vianda Soeryo, who paid tribute to her online. Picture: Instagram

Friends flooded the 22-year-old’s Instagram page, where she had almost 2000 followers, commenting for the young rider, known by her friends as Fia or Fi, to “rest in peace”.

“I know you may not be reading (sic) this. Ride in peace sweetie … I will always love you, Fi. I’ll miss your random replies to my IG (Instagram) story, I miss your sweetest words and support, I’ll miss you forever, Fi,” a friend commented on one of Alifia’s recent Instagram posts.

“Rest in love, fellow Swiftie” another friend commented.

Alifia loved cycling and the Tour Down Under. Picture: Instagram

Friends called her a “Swiftie”. Picture: Instagram

“I still can’t believe it,” a friend commented.

“Rest in peace beautiful soul,” another wrote.

“Rest in peace Fia! Till we cruise again up there with our Bimmers (BMWs)! Watch over us will you?” a friend commented on a photo of Alifia’s BMW car.

“I’ll miss you forever, Fi,” a friend commented in tribute of Alifia. Picture: Facebook

Alifia had only been in Adelaide a year before her life was cut short. Picture: Facebook

More friends said they would never forget the international student, who arrived in Adelaide only a year prior to her death.

Rengganis Menak Gegading posted on Facebook calling Alifia a beautiful child and hoped where she is beautiful and enjoyable.

Alifia with her car, a BMW, which she regularly posted pictures of. Picture: Facebook

Alifia would regularly exercise, including bike riding. Picture: Facebook

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said she was distrought over the tragic accident.

“Like so many South Australians, I am heartbroken at the tragic death of Alifia Soeryo this week in North Adelaide,” Mayor Lomax-Smith said.

“My thoughts are with Miss Soeryo’s family and friends, especially her parents, who must now make the sort of journey that every parent dreads.”

Around 2.30pm on Wednesday, a gum tree collapsed on the University of Adelaide soccer ground off Frome Rd, killing Alifia who was sitting underneath.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics to treat her injuries, she died at the scene.

The following day a white lily bouquet was left near the fallen trunk, which measured about 15m in height and weighed about eight tons, according to the Metropolitan Fire Service.

She attended the University of Adelaide. Picture: Instagram

There will be a traditional prayer ceremony for her before her body is returned to Indonesia. Picture: Instagram

Indonesian community leader Eni Mosel, 56, said she was already in contact with the family to help repatriate the woman’s body to Indonesia through her not-for-profit Indopeduli Adelaide.

“We are going to start fundraising and the Indonesian community will lend a hand no matter what the cost,” Ms Mosel said.

Because the woman was Muslim, traditional prayers would need to be administered in the country of her death before she is taken back home, according to Ms Mosel.

A prayer session for family and friends will be organised for a date and time next week yet to be determined.

A fundraiser will be created to raise money for Alifia’s family during this time. Picture: Facebook.

Her friend Josh was texting with her moments before she lost her life. Picture: Facebook.

Just after 10.30am, a friend named Josh arrived to pay tribute with a bouquet of pink roses and proteas.

He was one of the first to arrive at the scene on Wednesday after she was killed, breaking down in tears.

Josh said he rushed down after Alifia texted him she would be going for a run in the parklands, but then failed to respond after a number of hours.

“She stopped responding and for some reason I had a hunch that something had gone wrong,” he said.

“I checked the news and saw something had happened here, some kind of accident – they said ‘young woman’ and I just started thinking the worst.

“She was loving, shy at times, but she would always talk and was very approachable.

“She always had a smile on her face and was one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met. She was taken away way too soon, she had so much life and love to give.”

Fathan Harysa, 25, visited the scene of Alifia’s death around 4.30pm on Thursday with another friend.

“It’s definitely a horrendous event – her friends are shocked, especially her family in Indonesia,” Mr Harysa said.

“She was a nice person, she was the kind of friend who had no other motive except just being your friend. Really sincere.”

Last night, MFS Commander Declan Dwyer said it was a “freak chance” that the tree hit someone and that he understood Adelaide City Council inspected it last year.

“It’s very shocking and quite sad that someone who is just enjoying the sunshine had this happen,” Mr Dwyer said.

City council Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said: “I express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the young woman tragically killed in what appears to be a shocking accident”.

“Council staff assisted authorities at the scene and we are doing out best to determine what has happened,” she said.

“Unfortunately, I can provide no further information at this time as the circumstances which led to this tragic event will be subject of an official investigation.”

Detectives are seeking witnesses to come forward to compile a report for the coroner into the death of Alifia.

Specifically eastern district CIB is looking to identify and speak with an older man and woman who stopped and first assisted Alifia.

Police believe the woman who assisted her is retired from the medical profession and left the scene prior to police arrival.

Detectives urge anyone with information on the incident or who may have dashcam footage in the area at the time of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.