Arrests made in stabbing death of Grammy-winning songwriter, who worked with Dua Lipa and Zendaya

The music industry is mourning the tragic loss of Talay Riley, a Grammy-winning songwriter and performer known for his influential work with superstars like Dua Lipa, Zendaya, and Britney Spears. Riley, whose birth name was Mark Orabiyi, was fatally stabbed in London this past Friday.

Investigation Underway

According to a statement from the Metropolitan Police, officers arrived at the scene following reports of a stabbing to find Orabiyi in a garden. Despite being transported to a hospital, he was tragically pronounced dead. A second victim, a man in his 20s, sustained stab wounds but is expected to survive with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have confirmed the arrest of three individuals near the scene: two men, aged 27 and 24, and a 25-year-old woman. Their identities remain undisclosed at this time as the investigation continues.

A Legacy of Hits

Riley’s talent left an indelible mark on modern pop and R&B. His extensive songwriting portfolio includes notable contributions such as Britney Spears' 2016 track Clumsy, Dua Lipa's Last Dance, Chris Brown's Zero and Fine By Me, and the 2017 hit Young Dumb & Broke by Khalid.

Family Honors a 'Pure Heart'

Following the heartbreaking news, Orabiyi's family and manager shared a tribute via an Instagram post. His brother, Michael Orabiyi, expressed the depth of the loss, sharing a poignant final conversation they had regarding their shared future.

“Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do,” Michael wrote. “He was a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives. He had one of the purest hearts I’ve ever known.”