The sister of Alifia Soeryo, 22, killed by falling tree in Adelaide parklands says her death was ‘so preventable’

The heartbroken family of Alifia Soeryo has lashed out at Adelaide City Council, saying her death was “so preventable”.

The heartbroken family of Alifia Soeryo has lashed out at Adelaide City Council, saying her death was “so preventable”.

Sister Vianda Soeryo said complaints had been made to council prior to the freak accident which claimed the life of the 22-year-old on Wednesday.

Alifia was jogging in Park 10 on War Memorial Dr in North Adelaide when she stopped to take a break under a large gum tree. A large tree branch suddenly snapped off and fell on top of the University of Adelaide student about 2.30pm.

Though paramedics arrived on the scene within minutes, she could not be revived.

“I’m making a statement about how this incident was so preventable yet nothing was done prior despite the complaints locals have voiced to the council, yet like I said, nothing was done,” Vianda told 7News in a statement.

The devastated family of the young international student crushed by a tree in the parklands says her death was preventable. They are demanding the Adelaide City Council be held responsible. https://t.co/d5b9nBG0Di@haydennelson#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/T96f9Qutee

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) February 10, 2024

Indonesian community leaders have said they will support and stand by Alifia’s family as her parents arrive from Indonesia to attend their daughter’s memorial service on Sunday.

Born in Indonesia, she was studying a Masters of Media at the University of Adelaide and had only been in Australia for about a year.

Alifia Soeryo tragically died after a tree fell on her in city parklands. Picture: Instagram

She was in Adelaide studying a Masters of Media. Picture: Instagram

The state’s roughly 2000-strong Indonesian community has rallied to organise a memorial for her on Sunday afternoon, where her family and friends are expected to speak.

Loved ones have also started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and repatriate her body.

In a letter shared with The Advertiser on the family’s behalf, leading members of the Indonesian community said the “the only person who has the right to speak of this devastating tragedy is Alifia’s mother”.

“As a community of immigrants, it is our duty to ensure that our people feel respected, supported, and loved,” the letter reads.

“We are heartbroken for Alifia’s family. No mother, father, and sister should have ever gone through what they have gone through.

“We are heartbroken for Alifia, who was a loving friend and made notable contributions towards the Indonesian Community. She is and will always be loved thoroughly and deeply.

“The Indonesian Community is firmly solid in echoing the wants and needs of Alifia’s family. We are prepared to offer our support in any way possible.

“We stand in silence, waiting for their whispered calls and requests, because what family is capable of speaking in such a situation? What mother would not be stunned silent at the shocking and immediate loss of her daughter?”

Alifia Soeryo was a keen bike rider. Picture: Instagram

She has been remembered as a ‘beautiful person’ by friends and loved ones. Picture: Instagram

Ms Soeryo’s friend and fellow student Aziza Nathin, 18, is helping organise the service, describing her as “a big sister” who was “always asking how she could help”.

“Whether in life or death, she is still the core of our lives,” Ms Nathin said.

“The Indonesian community has pulled through … I’m getting calls and messages from people who I’d never even met but who knew her, and everyone is asking ‘What can I do to help?’

“As much as I’m sad, I’m glad we have such a strong community around us and it feels like everyone is uniting around her.”

Ms Nathin is vice president at the university’s Indonesian Society and worked closely with Ms Soeryo, who was head of communications and a first point of contact for students.

“She was always looking to help, not just as a club member, but as a friend and a sister.”

In an outpouring of grief, friends and relatives remembered Ms Soeryo as a keen cyclist, a Taylor Swift fan and a beloved sister.