Staff reporter(wp/es):
A singer tipped for West End fame was killed when a Range Rover hit her as she stood on a traffic island in Limehouse.
Joanna Reyes was leaving a rehearsal for a production of comedy musical Urinetown at Shoreditch’s City Academy when she was struck and killed.
Her agent Linda Bradley told the Standard that the actress had been “drafted in last minute” to rehearse after another performer dropped out on Thursday evening.
The 37-year-old was standing on a traffic island in Commercial Roadwhen she was hit just before 11.30pm.
The singer, who had recently been signed by West End talent agency PMA London, was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.
Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to the “amazing and bubbly” woman who was studying at the Academy in Shoreditch.
Ms Bradley added that Miss Reyes’s death had “left a huge void in the lives of everyone who knew her”.
She said: “There is nothing words can say at this moment to soften this tragic early loss of a beautiful life.
“The theatre world, our religion, has lost a huge beauty and talent.
“Joanna was the most vibrant person who has now left a huge void in everyone’s lives.
“Beyond heartbroken is an understatement.
“We continue to send our prayers and condolences to Joanna's family and friends at this tragic time.
“Joanna will be very much missed but never forgotten."
She also worked as a receptionist and co-ordinator of night courses at Islington’s Urdang Academy -whose alumni include Voice Finalist Matt Henry and Kylie Minogue’s choreographer Dean Lee.
Miss Reyes’s desk in the academy’s reception area was today covered in flowers in tribute to the performer.
Managing director Solange Urdang described her death as an “absolute tragedy” and hailed her “bubby personality and amazing kindness”.
She said: “Our staff, ex-staff, students and ex-students are absolutely devastated by Joanna’s death.
“She was bubbly, funny, vibrant and full of life. It is an absolute tragedy.”
Friends also took to social media in an outpouring of grief.
Ellie Seaton wrote on Facebook: “Have just heard the awful news.
“Simply cannot believe it! Rip you beautiful soul! You brought so much joy to the Urdang academy and brightened up our days! You will be truly missed!”
Claudimar Neto added: “Speechless is not even the word.
“Joanna Reyes what a beautiful soul, that has been taken away from us, the happiest person I have ever met, encouraging, hardworking, talented, worry free, comforting, bubbly ,energetic, supportive, the list could go on, what a shock.
“Thank you for always supporting me and my dreams and helping me achieve those you will forever live in my heart.
“You are truly one of a kind, an angel. We were the lucky ones to have had you in our lives.”
A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He is being held at an east London police station.
A Met Police spokesman said: “Next of kin have been informed. Formal identification is yet to take place.
“A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.”
Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the crash to come forward.
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