The man responsible for Destiny’s Child “Say My Name” has died unexpectedly.
Songwriter LaShawn Daniels passed away after a fatal car crash in South Carolina. He was 41 years old.
His wife, April, revealed the news in a heartbreaking statement on Wednesday, the same day as Beyoncé‘s 38th birthday.
“It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, family member and friend Lashawn Daniels,” the statement read.
Revealing he was “the victim of a fatal car accident in South Carolina,” it also added, “Daniels was a man of extraordinary faith and a pillar in our family.”
The statement ended, “We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the continuous outpouring of love and sympathy. We ask that you respect the privacy of our entire family during this difficult time.”
Daniels worked with several music giants and created some of the most well-known hits we have today.
Daniels won a Grammy for best R&B song for “Say My Name.”
The 2001 breakout song was also written by group members Beyoncé Knowles, LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson and Kelly Rowland.
Rowland has taken to social media to express the sadness over losing Daniels.
“YOU gift wasn’t just in your brilliant melody and lyric, it was when you walked into a room, when you laughed!” she wrote. “I can not believe this….”
Daniels’ legend lives on in the music world with several of his other creations.
He also wrote Lady Gaga‘s “Telephone,” Michael Jackson‘s “You Rock My World,” Whitney Houston‘s “It’s Not Right but It’s Okay,” Jennifer Lopez‘s “If You Had My Love,” and Spice Girls‘ “Holler.”
Daniels was nominated for another Grammy in 2014 for Tamar Braxton‘s “Love and War.”
R.I.P.
