Police found the man in Blackshots Lane, Grays, at about 00:35 BST. The 24-year-old from Stanford-Le-Hope had been stabbed in the chest.
Officers had been called to reports of men fighting, Essex Police have confirmed.
Two men, aged 22 and 21, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Police said the three injured men are being treated at Basildon Hospital with stomach and chest wounds.
It is believed the incident is related to another in nearby Chafford Hundred.
In that incident, an 18-year-old was knocked unconscious on Fleming Road at about 01:55 BST.
He was taken to hospital for treatment and later arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the killing in Grays, police said.
A man was stabbed to death and three others suffered "life-threatening injuries" during a disturbance in Essex.