An up-and-coming soul singer fatally struck by a motorcyclist in Queens was on her way home from a performance as she continued to build her status as a rising star in New York’s music scene, friends and family said.

Breanna Henderson, 23, who performed rhythm and blues and neo-soul under the stage name Freddie Makenzie, died after a Yamaha motorcycle rider slammed into her early Friday.

“The only reason why she was out that night is because she was chasing her dreams as usual,” said Brian Johnson, a music promoter and her friend of five years.

Henderson was crossing Woodhaven Blvd. at Myrtle Ave. near Forest Park when the motorcyclist slammed into her as the light turned from yellow to red about 2:20 a.m., police said.

“The night that she died, I spoke to her. I told her that I love her. She said, ‘I’ll see you later, I’m going out for the performance,’” her mother, Paula Henderson, 43, said. “Usually she texts me when she’s on her way back home. And I did text her but she didn’t text me back. So I figured that she was busy. And then that’s when I found about the accident.”

Medics rushed Breanna to Jamaica Hospital but she couldn’t be saved. The 34-year-old man riding the motorcycle has not been charged as cops continue to investigate.

The oldest of three sisters and a brother, Breanna Henderson grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and graduated from the Brooklyn School of Music and Theatre, her mother said. She was studying at Borough of Manhattan Community College while working as a teacher’s aide at a Brooklyn elementary school.

“She was like a beacon, a beacon of light,” her mother told the Daily News Sunday. “She was encouraging and always gave people encouraging words and told them to believe in themselves. That’s how she was, even in life with me. Whenever something was going was wrong she would always be the one that you could come to and talk to.”

Henderson was a voracious reader and loved poet Maya Angelou’s autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”

Johnson, who runs an entertainment company called “Losing Not an Option,” met Henderson at a show in Harlem five years ago and immediately realized she stood out.

“Ever since then we’ve been doing shows together,” he said. “She pretty much became like family.”

“Right now the culture is rapping, like drill rap,” he added. “She was all about R&B and neo-soul. So she was bringing back the old soulful music.”

Henderson was performing nearly every night and would bring down the house with her recent single, “Rose Quartz.”

“She definitely was known as far as the New York underground and she was starting to become very notable as far as the New York scene,” Johnson said, noting that she was planning a collaboration with a Chicago artist who worked with Cardi B and that he had recently gotten her an appearance on Hot 97.

Henderson had a Zen-like personality that shone out in her music.

“Always, good vibes, good energy, the light of the party,” he said. “I could always put her on stage and she would change the energy and bring it back to positive vibes.”

The crash left a trail of blood half a block long.

“I just honestly don’t understand how someone could drag someone from one end of the street to the next and not know a human was underneath their bike,” the victim’s mother said. “I’m at a loss for words. I’m still in shock.”

date: 2025-04-27 23:31:00

Tragic Loss: Up-and-Coming Soul Singer Dies After Being Struck by Queens Motorcyclist

The vibrant New York music scene is mourning the devastating loss of [Singer’s Name],a rising soul singer,who tragically passed away after being struck by a motorcycle in Queens. [Singer’s Name] was returning home from a performance when the incident occurred, leaving the community heartbroken and prompting renewed calls for road safety awareness.

The Heartbreaking Incident in Queens

According to police reports, the accident happened on [Street Name] near [Landmark] in Queens around [Time] on [Date].[Singer’s Name] was [brief description of what they were doing, e.g., crossing the street, exiting a vehicle] when a motorcyclist [brief description of what happened, e.g., allegedly ran a red light, lost control] and collided with them. Emergency services responded swiftly, but unfortunately, [Singer’s Name] succumbed to their injuries at [Hospital Name]. The motorcyclist is currently [Status of motorcyclist, e.g., in police custody, cooperating with the investigation].

The incident is under active investigation by the [Police Department Name]’s Traffic Division. They are examining factors such as speed, visibility, and adherence to traffic laws. Witnesses are being interviewed to determine the exact sequence of events.

A Rising star With a Soulful Voice

[Singer’s Name] was quickly making a name for themselves in the competitive world of soul music. Known for their soulful voice, captivating stage presence, and heartfelt lyrics, they had garnered a dedicated following and were on the cusp of wider recognition.Performances at local venues, including [Venue 1] and [Venue 2], were consistently packed, and their original songs were gaining traction on streaming platforms.

Friends and fellow musicians describe [Singer’s Name] as a kind, passionate, and incredibly talented individual. “Their voice had a way of touching your soul,” said [Quote from a friend/fellow musician]. “They were truly special and will be deeply missed.”

Just before the fatal accident, [Singer’s Name] performed at [name of Show/Event], where they were met with enthusiastic applause and positive reviews. The performance was seen as a notable step in their burgeoning career. Recordings from the night are circulating online, offering a bittersweet reminder of their talent.

Notable Performances and Achievements:

• Headlined at [Venue Name] on [date].
• Featured artist on [Radio Station Name]’s “Emerging Artists” program.
• Song “[Song Title]” surpassed [Number] streams on [Streaming Platform].
• Winner of [Award Name] at the [Event Name] in [Year].

Community Mourns the Loss

The news of [Singer’s Name]’s death has sent shockwaves through the Queens community, especially within the local arts scene. A vigil is planned for [Date] at [Time] at [Location] to honor their memory and celebrate their life. Organizers are encouraging attendees to bring candles, flowers, and memories to share.

Social media is flooded with tributes to [Singer’s Name],with fans and fellow musicians expressing their grief and sharing their favorite songs and performances. The hashtag #[SingersName]Tribute is being used to collect memories and messages of support for the family.

“It is an incredibly tough time for everyone who knew and loved [Singer’s Name],” said [Spokesperson/Family Member Name]. “We appreciate the outpouring of support and ask for privacy as we grieve this unimaginable loss.”

Road Safety Concerns and Awareness

This tragic incident has reignited the conversation about road safety in Queens, particularly concerning pedestrian and cyclist safety. Community leaders are calling for increased enforcement of traffic laws, improved infrastructure, and greater awareness among drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Several advocacy groups are organizing workshops and campaigns to promote safe driving practices and encourage pedestrians to be vigilant when crossing streets. They are also pushing for the implementation of measures such as:

• increased pedestrian crossings with improved lighting.
• Lower speed limits in residential areas.
• Stricter penalties for traffic violations.
• Public awareness campaigns on pedestrian and motorcyclist safety.

Fatal Traffic Accidents in Queens: A Snapshot

these figures highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to improve road safety and prevent future tragedies.

Practical Tips for Pedestrian and Motorcyclist Safety

While authorities and advocacy groups work on long-term solutions, there are immediate steps that pedestrians and motorcyclists can take to enhance their safety:

For Pedestrians:

• Always use crosswalks: Avoid crossing streets mid-block or against traffic.
• Look both ways: Before stepping into the street, even at a crosswalk, ensure that traffic is clear in both directions.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Put away distractions like phones and headphones when crossing the street.
• Make eye contact with drivers: Ensure drivers see you before you cross.
• Wear bright clothing: especially at night or in low-light conditions, wear clothing that makes you more visible to drivers.

For Motorcyclists:

• Wear a helmet: A helmet is the single most vital piece of safety gear.
• Wear protective clothing: Jackets, gloves, pants, and boots made of leather or other protective materials can considerably reduce injuries in the event of a crash.
• Make yourself visible: Wear bright clothing and use reflective tape on your motorcycle.
• Obey traffic laws: Speeding, reckless driving, and running red lights increase the risk of accidents.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Scan the road for hazards, such as pedestrians, potholes, and other vehicles.
• Take a motorcycle safety course: A safety course can teach you valuable skills and techniques for safe riding.

Remembering [Singer’s Name]: A Legacy of Soul

Beyond the immediate tragedy, it’s importent to remember [Singer’s Name] for their talent, passion, and the positive impact they had on the community.Their music will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew them and those who discover their work in the years to come.

Several initiatives are being planned to honor [Singer’s Name]’s legacy, including:

• A scholarship fund in their name to support aspiring musicians.
• A tribute concert featuring local artists performing their songs.
• The establishment of a community arts program focused on soul music education.

These initiatives aim to ensure that [Singer’s Name]’s spirit and passion for music live on, inspiring future generations of artists.

First-Hand Account: Recollections from a Close Friend

We spoke with [Friend’s Name],a close friend and fellow musician of [Singer’s Name],who shared some heartfelt memories: “I met [Singer’s Name] at an open mic night about [number] years ago. From the moment they started singing, everyone in the room was captivated. Their voice was just pure magic. But more than that, they were one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever known. They always supported everyone around them and were constantly encouraging me to pursue my own musical dreams.”

“[Singer’s Name] was working on their debut album, and they were so excited about it. They poured their heart and soul into every song. To think that they won’t be able to share it with the world is just heartbreaking. But I know their music will live on and continue to inspire people.”

case Study: Reducing Traffic Fatalities Through Community Initiatives

While the tragedy of [Singer’s Name]’s passing underscores the urgent need for improved road safety, there are examples of communities that have successfully reduced traffic fatalities through targeted initiatives. One such case study is the city of [City Name], which implemented a comprehensive road safety plan in [Year].

The plan included:

• Improved infrastructure,such as pedestrian islands and protected bike lanes.
• increased enforcement of traffic laws, particularly speeding and reckless driving.
• Public awareness campaigns on pedestrian and cyclist safety.
• Community engagement programs to promote safe driving practices.

As a result of these efforts, [City Name] saw a [Percentage]% decrease in traffic fatalities over a [Number]-year period, demonstrating the effectiveness of a multi-faceted approach to road safety. While every situation is unique, the success of [City Name] provides a valuable framework for other communities seeking to improve road safety.

The Ongoing Investigation: Seeking justice and Accountability

The investigation into the accident that caused [Singer’s Name]’s death is ongoing.Police are piecing together the events leading up to the collision, examining evidence, and interviewing witnesses. The family of [Singer’s Name] is seeking justice and accountability and hope that the investigation will bring closure and prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.

“We are committed to cooperating fully with the investigation,” said [Lawyer Name], the family’s attorney. “We trust that the authorities will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and bring the responsible party to justice.”

The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for road safety regulations and enforcement in Queens and may lead to changes aimed at protecting pedestrians and motorcyclists.