LaShawn Daniels death: Michael Jackson and Beyoncé songwriter dies in car crash, aged 41

Songwriter co-wrote hits including ‘Telephone’ by Lady Gaga and ‘The Boy Is Mine’ by Brandy and Monica

Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and producer LaShawn Daniels has died at the age of 41.

A statement issued by his wife, April, said he died in a car crash in South Carolina.

“It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, family member and friend LaShawn Daniels, who was the victim of a fatal car accident in South Carolina,” she said in a statement.

“A Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter, Daniels was a man of extraordinary faith and a pillar in our family. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the continuous outpouring of love and sympathy.”

Daniels was best-known for his collaborations with the music producer Darkchild, with songwriting credits on a litany of pop and R&B classics including Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine”, “Lose My Breath” by Destiny’s Child, “Telephone” by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, “If You Had My Love” by Jennifer Lopez, and “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” by Whitney Houston.

He also worked on tracks by the Spice Girls, George Michael, Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys, Toni Braxton, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.

In 2000, he won a Grammy for his songwriting work on Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name”. His most recent Grammy nod came in 2013, for his work on Tamar Braxton’s single “Love and War”.

In recent years, Daniels had been a regular presence on the reality series Braxton Family Values and Tamar & Vince, appearing alongside his wife April.

The musician Dawn Richard, who collaborated with Daniels on numerous projects including the super-group Diddy Dirty Money, tweeted: “Yooooo I’m lost. LaShawn Daniels died?!!!! I’m stuck. This man took my vocal ability to new levels while working in Dirty Money. One of the funniest people with the best heart. A rare talent and a beautiful soul.”

Added singer Kehlani: “We was supposed go crazy next week… Appreciate you for f***in wit me OG… your legacy will never be forgotten! this s** crazy!”

British singer/songwriter MNEK wrote, “He’s only co written/vocal produced literally all of our favourite records – this is so sad”.

Singer Victoria Monet wrote on Instagram: “I can’t even process that you’re gone. I learned everything I know about harmonies and vocal production and songwriting from YOU… The way you made me do it over and over and teach me to come and sing with that shiz vibrato that was so recognisably yours. Your patience with my pitchy ass at 19… I will never forget your presence. I really don’t know what to say this is heartbreaking I hope the world knows the angel we just lost.”