French DJ and Nightcall creator Kavinsky found dead in Paris home at 50

French DJ and electronic music star Kavinsky, known for his 2010 hit “Nightcall” and performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was found dead in his Paris home on July 28, 2026, at 10:30 PM local time. The artist, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, was 50 years old. Authorities confirmed no suspicious elements were found at the scene, but an investigation into the cause of death was initiated, with reports citing a suspected stroke as the likely factor.

Belorgey was discovered by police after a neighbor reported concerns about his absence from the building. French media, including Le Figaro, noted that the artist had been experiencing severe headaches in the days preceding his death. The Paris prosecutor’s office stated that first responders found no signs of foul play, though the exact cause remains under review.

Kavinsky’s Legacy and Career

Kavinsky rose to international fame through “Nightcall,” a track that became synonymous with the 2011 film *Drive*, starring Ryan Gosling. The song, which featured vocals from CSS’s Lovefoxx, was later sampled by The Weeknd and used by Avenged Sevenfold in their 2024 tours. His work on the *Drive* soundtrack cemented his status as a key figure in the French Touch and Synthwave movements, alongside acts like Daft Punk and Justice.

Belorgey’s career spanned multiple roles. He began as an actor, appearing in films by director Quentin Dupieux, before transitioning to music in 2005. His debut album, *OutRun*, released in 2013, drew on 1980s aesthetics, with Belorgey crafting a fictional backstory for his persona as a zombie driver who survived a Ferrari crash. He returned to the music scene in 2022 with the album *Reborn*, marking a comeback after a prolonged hiatus.

The DJ’s 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony performance, where he collaborated with Phoenix and Angèle on a new version of “Nightcall,” reignited global interest in his work. The event, which celebrated French electronic music, saw the track break streaming records, according to reports.

Tributes and Official Responses

French President Emmanuel Macron and Culture Minister Catherine Pégard led tributes, with Macron calling Kavinsky “a source of French pride forever” and Pégard describing him as “one of its most distinctive voices.” Former French official Clément Beaune praised his ability to “make generations dance,” while fans and collaborators shared messages of grief on social media.

The DJ’s influence extended beyond music. His fictional character, a mysterious undead driver, became a cultural touchstone, and his collaborations with filmmakers and artists highlighted his interdisciplinary creativity. Recent projects included a guest appearance with Prince 85 and a renewed partnership with The Weeknd, who had previously worked with him on the 2013 track “Odd Luck.”

Timeline and Unanswered Questions

The discovery of Belorgey’s body occurred three days before his 51st birthday, which would have been on July 31. Sources differ slightly on the exact timeline of his health decline, with some citing headaches in the days before his death and others focusing on the neighbor’s report. The investigation into his cause of death remains open, though no evidence of foul play has been reported.

Belorgey’s final months included plans for performances in France, Mexico, and Los Angeles. His passing has left a void in the electronic music scene, with fans and peers reflecting on his contributions to both French and global culture. The full extent of his legacy, however, will likely be shaped by ongoing discussions about his work and the impact of “Nightcall,” which continues to resonate across generations.