DJ Reda Brika found dead in Newtown Creek, marking the fourth body discovered in the area in two years.

The body of popular deejay Reda Briki, reported missing for nearly three weeks, has been discovered aboard his sailboat docked in Newtown Creek, Queens, a site that has become synonymous with a series of unexplained deaths in recent years. Law enforcement officials confirmed that a passerby located Briki’s decomposed remains around noon on Sunday near the Pulaski Bridge in Long Island City.

Briki, age 52, had been active in the electronic dance music scene, and his disappearance prompted widespread concern among friends, family, and fans who had circulated flyers and utilized social media to aid in the search. He had last been seen on June 14 after performing at Maison Harlem, a French restaurant in Manhattan, where he was reported to be improvising music for festival-goers.

Initial autopsy findings from the city Medical Examiner were inconclusive, with further testing required to establish the cause of death. According to police, there were no visible signs of trauma on Briki’s body. His friend Tim Fielding expressed his shock and sorrow online, reflecting on Briki’s vibrant personality and the joy he brought to many through his music.

The area has garnered notoriety due to other mysterious fatalities. Over the past two years, three men have been found dead in Newtown Creek after attending events at local venues, raising speculation about potential connections and igniting rumors on social media, including fears of a possible serial killer. The creek borders East Williamsburg, home to the Brooklyn Mirage club, a venue that has seen its share of nightlife-related tragedies.

The body of Damani Alexander was discovered in Newtown Creek last July after he had been partying at the Knockdown Center. The Medical Examiner could not determine a cause of death, ultimately ruling it undetermined. In June 2023, 27-year-old Karl Clemente accidentally drowned in the creek after leaving an event at Brooklyn Mirage, and John Castic, also 27, was found in the water weeks later following a similar outing at the venue.

As investigations continue, authorities have not established any direct link between Briki’s death and the previous incidents in the area. Friends and fans remember Briki as an innovative musician who played a significant role in electronic dance music, known for his ability to connect with audiences on the dance floor. He hailed from French Algiers and became prominent within Parisian club culture before bringing his talents to the New York City scene. Briki’s passing is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the impacts of nightlife culture.

As the community mourns, unanswered questions linger regarding safety and the circumstances surrounding these untimely deaths in Newtown Creek.