Lawrence Leathers, Grammy Award-winning jazz drummer, 37 years old

Lawrence Leathers, Grammy-winning jazz drummer, died Sunday in New York. He was 37 years old.

According to ABC News, Leathers was found unconscious in a stairwell in his Bronx building in the state of New York before being declared dead on the scene.

Police believe that he has been the victim of domestic violence and confirmed that his girlfriend, Lisa Harris, aged 41, and Sterling Aguilar, 28, had been charged with manslaughter at first and of second degree and homicide by criminal negligence in connection with his death.

The couple was allegedly engaged in a physical altercation when Aguilar placed Leathers in a stranglehold. According to police, Harris then hit him on the head. The leathers died on the spot.

Leathers was a prominent figure in the New York jazz scene renowned for his percussion. While at the Juilliard School, he met bassist Paul Sikivie and pianist Aaron Diehl. The trio would then form the Grammy Award-winning Aaron Diehl Trio and jazz singer Cécile McLorin Salvant.

After hearing the news, fans and friends turned to social media to express their condolences.

"Lawrence Lo Leathers @lopicz was one of the most musical, swingers and honest drummers ever," said drummer E.J. Strickland posted on Instagram. "Whenever I saw him playing, I learned a lot more about accompaniment, feel and touch. […] In addition, one of the most favorable musicians on the scene. Nowadays, there are so many who are so quick to discredit, belittle and disrespect their peers, young bloods and elders. Not Lawrence. Always positive, supportive and loving. We need more reals like that, all of them. ❤ Rest, soldier. We miss you all very much.