The Los Angeles area has been left heartbroken by the sudden passing of Derrick Riley — known affectionately as “Dwrek” — who died on December 8, 2025, leaving a void in the lives of his family, friends, and community that’s proving almost impossible to fill.
Friends describe Derrick as a light in every room he walked into — a son, mentor, brother, and colleague whose warmth and humor were as natural as his smile. Raised in Inglewood, California, he attended Rancho Verde High School, where he forged close friendships and laid the foundation for the compassionate, driven man he became.
After school, Derrick found his footing in the world of style and creativity. He worked with PERVERSE Sunglasses and contributed his talents at PacSun, where colleagues quickly came to admire not just his eye for fashion, but the energy he brought to every interaction. Described as dependable, funny, and always ready with encouragement, he had a knack for lifting others up, whether by styling a look or offering a well-timed joke.
But beyond his professional achievements, it was the way Derrick nurtured relationships that truly defined him. He was a loyal friend, a steady source of strength, and for those closest to him, a protector in life’s toughest moments. Loved ones say he showed up not because it was expected, but because that was simply who he was — the person you could count on.
Since his passing, tributes have poured in from across Southern California and beyond. One heartfelt message shared by a loved one offered a glimpse into the void his absence has created, while promising to carry forward the dreams and memories they built together — a testament to the deep bonds he formed.
In Derrick’s honor, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his daughters and help ensure their future is secure — a reflection of the deep impact he had on the people who mattered most. Friends, family, and even those who only crossed paths briefly speak of his infectious energy and the way he made “ordinary days feel meaningful.”
Today, the community grieves not only a gifted stylist and spirited friend, but a genuinely kind human being whose legacy will endure in laughter shared, lives lifted, and hearts forever changed by his presence.
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