“Godzilla vs. Kong” deaf actress Kaylee Hottle has died in a car accident at just 18 years of age.
The actress’s father appeared in a social media livestream and expressed his shock and pain at the news.
Kaylee Hottle became a fan favorite through her performances in two MonsterVerse films
Kaylee Hottle, a deaf actress who played Jia in two Godzilla films, died following a severe car accident in Maryland on Tuesday morning. Her father, Joshua Hottle, shared the news during a 23-minute livestream. He also spoke about his reaction to the 18-year-old’s tragic dєatᩚh.
According to TMZ, Joshua was informed that Kaylee was involved in a serious car accident. They later told him that her heart had stopped on the way to the hospital. The caption on Joshua’s livestream read, “I am taking a flight that I never would like to take.” His message indicated that he was traveling to claim his daughter’s body.
Fans have expressed their heartbreak online, including a post on X. One of them commented, “18 is far too young. Absolutely heartbreaking. Sending love and strength to her family and everyone who knew her. Rest in peace,” while another wrote, “This year is getting strange why is everyone dying. Rest in peace Queen.”
According to Mirror, Kaylee’s former school, the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, also released a statement. It read, “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that one of our TSD seniors, Kaylee Hottle, tragically passed away yesterday in a car accident in Frederick, Maryland. Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time.” The school also requested privacy for the family.
Kaylee began receiving acting opportunities when she was just nine years old. She was born into a multigenerational deaf family. Her early work included commercials and a PSA for the live video messaging app Glide. Many people in the deaf community use the app.
Kaylee joined the cast of Godzilla vs. Kong in 2021. She played Jia, a girl who communicated with King Kong through sign language. She later reprised the role in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire in 2024.
