A British singer has been found dead in her Qatari hotel room just six days after leaving the UK.
Devastated friends of Daniella Obeng, 32, who performed under the name Devi Ka, said the mother-of-one was forced to look for work overseas after her benefits were cut.
She had been living with a brain tumour and epilepsy meaning she suffered ‘silent seizures’.
But Ms Obeng, from Manchester, had been assessed as ‘fit for work’ by government inspectors but could not find ‘reliable work’ in the UK.
Daniella Obeng, who performed under the name Devi Ka, had been living with a brain tumour and epilepsy meaning she suffered ‘silent seizures’
She was due to perform for guests at the Intercontinental Hotel in Qatari capital Doha on a six-month contract – but was found dead in her room less than one week after arriving.
A friend wrote online: ‘Had she received the financial support she was in need of, we believe she might still be with us.
‘The travel and accompanying stress and pressure may have been a contributing factor in her premature passing.’
Her boyfriend, Stefan Paunefcu told the Manchester Evening News : ‘She was very talented, and very hard working. Her ambition was to send a positive message to the world through her music.’
‘When she left to go to Qatar her health was probably the best it had been for years, and she had not had a seizure for six months.
‘She had to go because she could not find any reliable work in England.’
‘She had been sent from pillar to post over her benefits and it was impossible to live on £20 a week.’
Ms Obeng, from Manchester, had been assessed as ‘fit for work’ by government inspectors but could not find ‘reliable work’ in the UK
An inquest into Ms Obeng’s death will be held at Stockport Coroner’s Court in January.
A crowdfunding page has been set up in her name and has already raised more than £800.
In a posting on the website, friends say: ‘Daniella was very dear to us and holds a big place in all of our hearts.
‘She was and is an inspiration to many due to her courage, strength and determination in the face of adversity whilst battling a brain tumour combined with epilepsy.
‘Daniella was following her dream to produce an album with original songs written by her in order to bring healing and love to others in the world.
‘Holding this event we aim to raise awareness, celebrate her life and promote her music.
‘We feel aggrieved that she had to make the choice to leave the UK in order to earn some funds for the future for herself and her young son.’