Erick Morillo death: DJ behind hit 'I like to Move It' found dead at Miami Beach house

Investigation is ongoing with detectives at the scene

DJ Erick Morillo performs at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival on 15 April 2011 in Indio, California. (Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)

DJ Erick Morillo has been found dead in Florida at the age of 49, police have said.

The world-renowned musician, known for his 1993 hit “I Like To Move It”, was discovered at a property in Miami Beach on Tuesday morning, according to police.

Officer Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department told the PA news agency that a 911 call was received on Tuesday at 10:42am.

“Detectives are currently on scene and in the preliminary stages of the investigation,” Rodriguez told The Independent.

The veteran DJ’s death comes almost a month after he was arrested and charged with sexual battery on a woman.

The alleged incident is said to have happened at Morillo’s home in Miami Beach in December 2019.

According to the arrest report reviewed by The Independent, a sexual battery kit came back in July, having tested positively for Morillo’s DNA. Morillo turned himself in on 5 August with his attorney, the document states.

Morillo was born in New York and spent part of his childhood in Colombia before returning to the US, where he began his career.

“I Like To Move It”, which he released under the pseudonym Reel 2 Real, was an international hit. It notably appeared in the Madagascar film franchise.

Morillo was a three-time winner of the best house DJ prize at the DJ Awards and also won best international DJ in 2002, 2006 and 2009.

PA contributed to this report