Britney Spears, Dua Lipa songwriter Talay Riley fatally stabbed in London

Jami Ganz, New York Daily News on Jun 8, 2026

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Grammy-winning songwriter Talay Riley — who worked on hits for Britney Spears, Dua Lipa, Khalid and more — was fatally stabbed this weekend in London.

The family and management team of the 35-year-old, born Mark “Yinka” Orabiyi, confirmed “with overwhelming sadness” Saturday that he’d “passed away” the morning prior.

“Talay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award wining, multi platinum selling songwriter & artist,” read the statement. “For those that knew and loved him personally it is his humor, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most.”

Metropolitan Police on Sunday formally identified 35-year-old Riley, born Mark Orabiyi, as the victim of the Pankhurst Avenue stabbing that occurred Friday morning. Another man, in his 20s, remains hospitalized with “multiple stab wounds,” which are “not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.”

The police force previously said that Orabiyi had sustained stab wounds by the time they found him in the garden of a Rayleigh Road property.

“Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead on his arrival at hospital,” Metropolitan Police said Friday.

“This is a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones,” said Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, heading up the investigation.

Though the police announced Friday they’d arrested a woman, 25, and two men — aged 27 and 24 — for suspected murder, none remain in custody. The 27-year-old was released on bail “pending further inquiries,” with the other two “released with no further action.”

Yorke requested that anyone near the scene of the stabbing at the time contact authorities, particularly if they have footage from the morning in question.

Riley won a Grammy for his work on H.E.R.’s “Lights On,” with other notable credits including on Britney Spears’ “Clumsy,” Dua Lipa’s “Last Dance” and Khalid’s “Young Dumb & Broke.” He also worked on songs for Jessie J, Jason Derulo and Nick Jonas.

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