Doreen Waddell, a former vocalist with the chart-topping 1980s British band Soul II Soul, died after being hit by several cars as she ran across a busy road.
Police said it appeared she had been running from a supermarket after being confronted about shoplifting.
She was 36.
Waddell had not been active in the music industry for several years, and neighbors said she did not talk about her time with Soul II Soul.
She is survived by a 4-year-old son.