Singer-songwriter Talay Riley has died aged 35 after being stabbed in London.
The Metropolitan Police were called to an address in Silvertown, east London, at 9am on Friday to reports that a man had been stabbed.
The ambulance service was also called and the musician, whose real name is Mark Orabiyi, was found in the garden of a Rayleigh Road having suffered stab wounds.
The police confirmed that Orabiyi was pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification has yet to take place, but his family is being supported by specialist officers.
They said in a tribute: ‘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.’
A man in his 20s was also taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds and reportedly remains there, as of Sunday evening.
His condition is not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
Three people were arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday. A 27-year-old man has been released on bail pending further enquiries, the police said.
A second man, aged 24, and a 25-year-old woman have been released with no further action, following police questioning.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the Met’s investigation, said: ‘This is a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones.’
Yorke went on to say the investigation continues ‘at pace’ and noted that the Met is appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident to speak to police.
She added: ‘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.’
Rapper Chip, formerly known as Chipmunk, has paid tribute to Riley and shared how he co-wrote the 2009 hit Oopsy Daisy. Posting to Instagram, he wrote: ‘You ain’t deserve to go out like that fam. Fly high bro.
‘Your pen will live forever. What a day man. What a life… RIP Talay Riley.
‘I’ll cherish the memories forever. Prayers and thoughts go out to your family. From pirate radio and Chanel U teens to #1 and platinum. Penaliens. We did that.
‘God bless you man. Hail up all the other fallen soldiers for me up there. Until we meet again. Sad fam. RIP Talay (Tension) Riley…’
This Morning presenter Rochelle Humes commented: ‘May he rest in peace. I will always remember how kind he was to everyone and his friendly smile.’
Rappers Krept and Konan also said ‘RIP’ in the comments, while a shocked Kehlani wrote: ‘Nah no way.’
The musician, who has 76,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, toured with artists including Skepta, Usher and Trey Songz, across the UK and US.
Riley had an extensive list of songwriting credits, spanning the 2010s. He wrote on tracks for artists including Tinie Tempah, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding, Wiley, Britney Spears, Khalid and Craig David.
Information can be provided by calling police on 101, quoting CAD 1868/5JUN or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Images, video or other information can also be provided via the Major Incident Information Portal here.
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