Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Talay Riley died from ‘sharp force’ trauma to his torso, an inquest opening has heard.
The musician’s death was confirmed on June 7 after the Metropolitan Police were called to an address in Silvertown, east London, on reports of a stabbing at 9:49am on June 5.
Real name Mark Orabiyi, the 35-year-old, who collaborated with Dua Lipa, Jessie J, and Usher, was pronounced dead at the scene, which was a rear garden of a property on Rayleigh Road.
A second victim, a man in his twenties, was also confirmed to have sustained multiple stab wounds, but police said he was expected to survive.
Now, a post-mortem examination has concluded that Orabiyi died of injuries sustained to either his chest or abdomen with a sharp, pointed instrument.
Today, area coroner Nadia Persaud told East London Coroner’s Court that she would not set any directions for the inquest as the police investigation into Orabiyi’s death is ongoing, and she would suspend the inquest if charges are brought.
On June 5, three people were arrested on suspicion of murder.
Since then, a 27-year-old man has been released on bail pending further inquiries, and a 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were released with no further action after being questioned.
Ms Persaud said Orabiyi’s family, who are aware of the inquest opening, have been made ‘interested persons’, meaning they will be able to make submissions and question witnesses to a future inquest.
She added that she would set a review date for the inquest in three months.
Meanwhile, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack and have urged anyone with CCTV footage from the area at the time to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke said the incident is being investigated ‘at pace’.
In their initial tribute following confirmation of Orabiyi’s death, his family described him as a ‘beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend’.
‘He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him,’ they said.
‘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.’
Numerous celebrities also paid tribute to Orabiyi, with Craig David commenting on the Instagram announcement post: ‘Sending so much love to you & the family🙏🏽❤️ His beautiful energy will continue to be felt & shown from the other side 😇🪶’
‘RIP Talay 🙏 I can’t believe this. Such a talented soul’, wrote Nina Nesbitt.
Fleur East said: ‘What a supremely talented soul!! I can’t believe it. May his soul rest in peace. Sending so much love ❤️’
The late star’s brother, Michael Orabiyi, better known as record producer and songwriter Scribz Riley, penned his own social media tribute, posting: ‘My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream.’
Stormzy commented underneath with, ‘I’m sorry bro’, while JLS star Oritse Williams wrote: ‘Sending you and your family strength and prayers in Jesus name my brother.’
Rapper Wretch 32 said: ‘Sending love to you & your family bro. Your brother was a gem & will be missed & never forgotten, Never! RIP.’
Orabiyi became a sought-after writer after signing a major publishing deal when he was just 18. From there, he gained national recognition for working on Chipmunk’s chart-topping tune Oopsy Daisy.
Throughout his career, Orabiyi then worked on hits such as Khalid’s Young Dumb & Broke and Becky Hill’s Afterglow, the latter of which was certified triple platinum in the UK. He also worked on Lipa’s Last Dance and Hotter Than Hell from her debut album, plus Britney Spears track Clumsy.
His other credits include The Chainsmokers’ Who Do You Love, HER’s Lights On, Flo’s Walk Like This, and Kehlani’s Out The Window.
Ultimately, Orabiyi helped shape the careers of some of the biggest artists in modern music, with further contributions to songs for international performers like Jason Derulo, Nick Jonas, Zendaya, and Chris Brown.