Grammy-winning songwriter Talay Riley passes away at 35 following London stabbing incident
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains mention of death.Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Talay Riley, known for his collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, has passed away following a stabbing in London. His passing 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. He was found in the garden of a residential property in the Silvertown district of East London. He was 35.
The investigation into Talay Riley’s passing
According to Deadline, Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke of the Metropolitan Police, who is leading the investigation, said in a statement, “This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones. 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 the 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 since 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.
Who was Talay Riley
Born on July 10, 1990, in London, Riley began his songwriting career around 2009 and by 2013 was contributing music to some of the most prominent artists in the industry, including Usher, Nick Jonas, Iggy Azalea, Pentatonix and Chris Brown. Britney Spears recorded his song ‘Clumsy’ for her 2016 album ‘Glory’, and that same year Dua Lipa recorded her song ‘Last Dance’ for her self-titled debut 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 recording artist in his own right, he scored a UK hit in 2011 with ‘Make You Mine’ and toured alongside artists including Skepta, Usher and Trey Songz.
Tributes from Talay Riley’s family
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.”His 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 and 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.”The investigation into Riley’s passing remains ongoing, with police continuing to appeal for witnesses and footage from the area.
