LaShawn Daniels, Grammy-winning songwriter for Beyoncé, dies in car crash at 41

LaShawn Daniels, a Grammy-winning songwriter who penned hits for the likes of Beyoncé, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, died in a car crash Wednesday at 41.

"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," his wife, April Daniels, said in a statement Wednesday. "Daniels was a man of extraordinary faith and a pillar in our family."

Daniels earned a Grammy Award for best R&B song in 2001 for Destiny's Child's hit single "Say My Name." He was nominated again in the same category in 2004 for writing Tamar Braxton's "Love and War."

The music community mourned the loss of the man behind numerous popular R&B hits, including Jackson's "Rock My World" and Brandy and Monica's "The Boy is Mine," as well as songs for Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Brandy, Ray J, Monica, Spice Girls, Toni Braxton and Natasha Bedingfield.

"The entire music community is feeling the loss of one of the greatest to ever do it," gospel singer Kirk Franklin wrote. "LaShawnDaniels...we just stood together a week ago. No words."

Ari Lennox called Daniels "a legend." She added, "Thank you for creating some of the most powerful songs ever. Rest in Heaven KING."

James Fauntleroy tweeted, "Lashawn Daniels changed my life and if I changed your life he changed yours too."

Daniels' wife thanked everyone for "the continuous outpouring of love and sympathy" and asked for everyone to "respect the privacy of our entire family during this difficult time."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Grammy-winning songwriter LaShawn Daniels dies in car crash at 41

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