NEED TO KNOW
A cause of death has been determined for Malik Taylor.
The influencer died at age 28 after a car he was in fell 20 feet in North Carolina on Wednesday, Aug. 20, TMZ reported, citing the Concord Police Department (CPD).
Authorities told the outlet that when they arrived at the scene of the incident, they found a Nissan Rogue SUV that had plummeted.
Paramedics also responded, per TMZ, but Taylor was confirmed dead at the scene. Police told the outlet they believe alcohol played a part in Taylor’s death, and a coroner determined he died of blunt force trauma, TMZ reported.
The CPD and the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Saturday, Aug. 23.
Malik Taylor/Instagram
Taylor’s death was announced in an Aug. 20 Facebook post by his business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, of which he was a member at Austin Peay State University.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share our beloved Brother, Malik Taylor, has gone to ‘Audit Eternal,’ ” read their post. “To know him was to know he was a light to everyone — always bringing laughter, joy, and a warm smile that brightened every room he entered.”
The fraternity continued: “Brother Taylor embodied the values of brotherhood, unity, and compassion. His ability to uplift others, share kindness, and spread joy will forever remain in our memories. Though your time with us was far too short, you were a good and faithful Brother, and the “Great Auditor” will reward you for your everlasting work. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who loved him.”
In a statement shared through their son’s fraternity, Taylor’s family reacted to his death.
“It is with love and gratitude that we, the family of Malik Taylor, acknowledge the incredible support and kindness shown following his untimely passing due to a tragic vehicle accident,” they began.
“To us, Malik was so much more than a content creator — he was a beloved son, brother, nephew, and friend. His creativity, humor, and spirit touched countless lives, and his legacy of inspiring, entertaining, and uplifting others will continue to live on,” the family continued.
Asking “for privacy and compassion as we grieve and find strength together as a family,” Taylor’s loved ones concluded, “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from the community that has embraced him. Your encouragement and support mean more than words can ever express.”
Malik Taylor/Instagram
Taylor, who maintained a following of over 250,000 on TikTok, was known for his comic pop culture takes and “POV”-style skits.
Just a day before the news of his death became public, he posted a video on TikTok about his recent move to Charlotte, N.C., from Memphis, Tenn.
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Earlier this summer, Taylor celebrated his 28th birthday. He marked the occasion by sharing a carousel of photos.
“Survived the 27 club (Barely),” wrote the late influencer in July. “Only right I celebrate my 28th likes it’s the party of the century. Call me Malik Gatsby 😉 Cheers to the rest of my roaring 20s Old Sport 🥂.”
