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A talented musician responsible for a modern classic has died.
French DJ Kavinsky, known for his track “Nightcall,” was found dead at his home in Paris July 28, the French prosecutor’s office confirmed to BFMTV. He was 50.
An investigation into the death of Kavinsky (real name Vincent Belorgey) is ongoing, the prosecutor’s office confirmed. Meanwhile, a police source told local French publication Le Figaro the suspected cause of death is believed to be a stroke.
The police source noted, per the outlet, that Kavinsky had reportedly been complaining of headaches in recent days, per Le Figaro.
E! News has attempted to reach out to local authorities regarding Kavinsky’s death but has not yet heard back.
In addition to Kavinsky’s 2010 hit “Nightfall”—which was popularized by the 2011 film Drive starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan—the musician was widely known for his electro pop hits including “Odd Look” and “Zenith.”
Kavinsky—who often portrayed himself as a red-eyed zombie—came up in the mid-2000s among other French electric mainstays like David Guetta and Daft Punk, the latter of whom assisted in producing “Nightfall.”
Following news of his death, several of Kavinsky’s collaborators and peers shared their condolences.
“So heartbreaking to hear the news,” The Weeknd wrote in an Instagram post July 29. “An inspiration to so many, including myself. I will continue to honor your name and your music.”
Guetta, meanwhile, lauded the late DJ as “a true icon” in their profession.
Thibaud Moritz / AFP via Getty Images
“Thank you for creating a sound that was entirely your own and for leaving us with music that will continue to inspire,” he added. “Thank you for your kindness and simplicity. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones. Rest in peace.”
French president Emmanuel Macron echoed Guetta’s sentiment, adding in a statement that Kavinsky will be “a symbol of French pride forever.”
Kavinksy’s latest album was Reborn in 2022, and he put out his final single, a rework of “Outsider,” last year.
After achieving international fame with the success of “Nightfall,” and its corresponding record OutRun, Kavinsky called the quick rise “a dream.”
“It’s really cool for people to be asking for music for movies,” Kavinsky said in a 2013 feature for Interview magazine. “It’s kind of crazy, for me. Yeah, yeah, it’s f–king cool.”
But the DJ emphasized that nothing about his internal world had shifted—and he continued to focus on his art over everything else in his life.
“I’m touring and doing these parties, but in real life, my private life hasn’t changed,” he added. “I’m just doing the same, seeing my friends, and that’s it. I’m a normal guy, and I’ll be a normal guy. I’m staying a normal guy.”
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