Nyron Erickson, CEO of West Bank Records, Fatally Shot in Tortola
Tortola, British Virgin Islands – May 10, 2025
The Virgin Islands music community is reeling after the shocking news that Nyron A. Erickson, widely known by his stage name Yo’Killa and the founder and CEO of West Bank Records, was fatally shot in Tortola on Saturday. The 33-year-old music executive and artist was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind a complicated legacy of creative achievement and legal controversy.
Local authorities have confirmed the incident occurred in the early hours of May 10, though full details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting have not yet been disclosed. An active investigation is now underway by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), with appeals for public assistance in identifying those responsible.
A Rising Force in the Caribbean Music Scene
Erickson rose to prominence in the early 2010s with a distinctive blend of Caribbean hip-hop and trap influences. Under his leadership, West Bank Records became a hub for emerging local talent in the British Virgin Islands, providing a platform for young artists to record, distribute, and promote their music both regionally and abroad.
Colleagues and collaborators describe Erickson as an ambitious, passionate figure who inspired a generation of local musicians.
“He built something from nothing,” said one longtime friend and fellow artist. “Whatever you want to say about him, he gave people like me a chance. He believed in our sound, in our stories. This is a huge loss.”
Social media has since been flooded with messages of grief, tributes, and memories from fans, friends, and fellow artists who admired both his artistry and entrepreneurial spirit.
A Life of Talent and Turmoil
Despite his creative contributions, Erickson’s life was also marked by serious legal troubles. In 2023, he faced over 20 charges in the Magistrates’ Court relating to an alleged criminal operation based in Ballast Bay. Authorities had linked Erickson to a cache of 14 illegal firearms, nearly 470 kilograms of cocaine, large quantities of marijuana, over half a million dollars in suspected criminal proceeds, and counterfeit currency.
Prosecutors alleged that Erickson continued to manage the drug ring from behind bars, using contraband phones to orchestrate operations on the outside. His attorney, Hugh Wildman, maintained that Erickson was being held unlawfully and accused investigators of lacking solid evidence tying him to the seized contraband.
“He was fighting those charges. He believed he would be vindicated,” said a source close to the family.
Erickson’s legal case remained ongoing at the time of his death. Now, with his sudden and violent passing, many are left wondering what might have been — not only for the case, but for the man who had once dreamed of building an entertainment empire rooted in his Caribbean heritage.
Ongoing Investigation
The RVIPF has yet to release any suspects or motives tied to the killing but has urged members of the public to come forward with any information. The incident has added to growing concerns over gun violence in the British Virgin Islands and the threats faced by public figures in high-profile positions.
As the investigation continues, Erickson’s family has requested privacy while they grieve. Plans for memorial services have not yet been announced.
A Complicated Legacy
Nyron Erickson’s story is one of both inspiration and tragedy—a self-made entrepreneur who helped shape the Virgin Islands’ modern music identity while battling legal shadows that never fully faded. His death leaves unanswered questions, but one thing is certain: his impact on music in the region will not be forgotten.