Woman found dead at Houghton Festival named as Ibiza DJ Santanna Oush
The 38-year-old artist founded OuShe parties at Pikes, celebrating women and emerging talent Continue reading...
Content warning: This article refers to a death by suicide and may be distressing to some readers. Resources for support are listed at the end of the article.
A woman who was found dead on the site of Houghton Festival in Norfolk earlier this month has been named as beloved Ibiza DJ Santanna Oush, real name Santanna Maria Ally.
According to North Norfolk News , Maria Ally was identified by a friend at the festival, while her sister, Katy Ally, later confirmed her identity as the 38-year-old artist typically living in Ibiza.
Maria Ally was confirmed to have passed away at around 6:10PM on Sunday, August 9, following concerns that she had fallen unconscious in her tent. Police were then called to the site at Houghton Hall.
She was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts from medical staff. Lynn News reports that an inquest was opened shortly after at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, with coroners giving a provisional cause of death that Maria Ally died by suicide.
Houghton Festival released a statement in response to her death shortly after the event, saying it was "deeply saddened" by the news.
"Our thoughts are entirely with their family and loved ones at this difficult time. We are grateful to our onsite medical team, event response team and to Norfolk Constabulary, who all responded immediately," a spokesperson for Houghton Festival said.
Under the alias Santanna Oush, Maria Ally was a prominent figure in Ibiza’s dance music community and the founder of OuShe parties at Pikes, celebrating women and emerging artists.
The London-born DJ, vocalist and promoter played alongside the likes of KI/KI, Kölsch and Confidence Man during her career, most commonly at Ibiza’s prominent clubs.
Maria Ally is remembered by Pikes as an "incredible" artist who was "part of the Pikes family for well over a decade". In a tribute , they wrote: "You may have left this world too soon, but your talent, your spirit, your love, your light and your laughter will live on with us forever."
If you are in need of help or struggling with suicidal thoughts you can reach out to the National Suicide Hotline in the US or the Suicide Prevention Hotline in the UK.
Samaritans is a charity that aims to help people suffering emotional distress. They are free to contact 24/7 from any UK or Irish phone by dialling 116 123. Head to samaritans.org for further details.
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