John Forté Death and Obituary: Grammy-Nominated Musician and Producer, Dies at 50

Published: January 15, 2026

John Forté, the Grammy-nominated musician best known for his work with the Fugees and the Refugee Camp All-Stars, has died at the age of 50. Authorities confirmed that Forté was found dead Monday afternoon at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts.

Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin stated there were no signs of foul play or any “readily apparent cause of death.” The case is currently under investigation by the state medical examiner’s office.

A native of New York City, Forté emerged as a musical prodigy in his early twenties. He played a pivotal role in the Fugees’ Grammy-winning album The Score and later contributed to Wyclef Jean’s Grammy-nominated solo project The Carnival.

Known for his versatility, Forté was a multi-instrumentalist whose influence extended across hip-hop, soul, and experimental music. His collaborations helped shape one of the most influential eras in modern hip-hop.

Law enforcement officials reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing, and further details regarding the cause of death will be released following the medical examiner’s findings.