Talay Riley, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter known for his collaborations with Usher, Nick Jonas, Dua Lipa and others, was fatally stabbed in London on Friday, June 5. He was 35.
His death was announced by London’s Metropolitan Police.
Riley, born Mark Orabiyi, was pronounced dead on the morning of June 5 by paramedics responding to an emergency call. Riley was found in the garden of a residential property in the Silvertown district of East London.
“This is a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones,” said the Met’s Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the investigation. “Our investigation continues at pace. I would like to appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident to speak to police. We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who might have CCTV or other footage from the morning of the incident that could assist our investigation.”
According to police, three people were arrested that morning on suspicion of murder, including a 27-year-old man who has been released on bail pending further enquiries. The other two – a 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman – were released with no further action.
Born July 10, 1990, in London, Riley began his songwriting career in around 2009 and by 2013-2015 was contributing music to artists such as Iggy Azalea, Usher, Nick Jonas, Pentatonix, Chris Brown and others. Britney Spears recorded his song “Clumsy” for her 2016 release Glory, and that year Dua Lipa recorded his “Last Dance” for her self-titled album.
Riley earned a Grammy Award for writing the H.E.R. song “Lights On,” a track on her Grammy-winning self-titled 2017 debut album.
As a musician himself, Riley had a 2011 UK hit in “Make You Mine,” and has toured with such artists as Skepta, Usher and Trey Songz.
In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, Riley’s family said, “Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him. We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Riley’s family and management also wrote on Instagram, “Talay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award winning, multi platinum selling songwriter & artist. For those that knew and loved him personally it is his humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most. We are deeply grateful for the enormous outpouring of love and support that we have received through messages, calls and visits over the past hours. Thank you for your continued consideration and sensitivity at what is a devastating time for us all.”
Complete information on survivors was not immediately available.
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