Godzilla vs Kong star Kaylee Hottle has died aged 18
Kaylee Hottle, best known for her role as Jia in the Godzilla vs Kong films, has tragically died aged 18.
Her father, Joshua Hottle, shared the devastating news in a 23-minute-long live stream on Facebook.
"I am taking a flight that I never would like to take," he wrote in the caption, as he flew to Texas from Maryland to bring home her body.
According to Page Six, he explained in American Sign Language that authorities called him about the collision, and then called again to say his daughter's heart had stopped while she was being transported to the hospital.
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Kaylee, who was part of the deaf community, communicated with Kong in the Godzilla vs. Kong movies through sign language, after being born to an all-deaf family in 2007.
Frederick County Sheriff's Office shared a statement explaining Hottle died following a single-vehicle car crash. At around 2.52am local time this morning (July 21), police and fire services responded to 'a fatal single-vehicle collision in the 11400 block of Windsor Road in Ijamsville, Maryland'.
They added: "The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1995 Honda Accord, operated by a 19-year-old Frederick man, traveled off the right side of the two-lane roadway and struck a culvert. Excessive speed is believed to be a contributing factor in the collision."
The driver was taken to hospital, but his injuries aren't believed to be life-threatening. There were two passengers in the car. One declined medical treatment at the scene. The second was Hottle, who 'was transported from the scene to an area trauma center, where she was later pronounced deceased'.
They added: "The crash remains under investigation by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information related to this investigation is asked to contact Dfc. Rose at 301-600-1046."
Hottle's former school, Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, also released a heartbreaking statement in the wake of her death.
They wrote: "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.
"At this time, we have very limited information and ask that everyone respect the privacy of Kaylee’s family and refrain from sharing or speculating about the circumstances surrounding the accident."
In an interview with Chron Magazine about the school in 2024, she noted: "It's a great school for deaf students to go to. I have deaf teachers, and everyone is able to communicate with me through sign language."
And speaking with Digital Spy about the importance of representation for the deaf community in film and TV in 2024, she added: "Jia being a deaf person in this world, it's so amazing to see her on the big screen.
"In general, I hope that feaf people see her and they think the same thing, that she is as amazing as I think she is."
Her Godzilla vs Kong co-stars, Alexander Skarsgard and Rebecca Hall, also pressed the importance of representation for the community, as they praised the late star in an interview with Junkee in 2021.
Skarsgard said: "It's fascinating how comfortable she is in front of the camera and how quickly she takes notes from the director Adam [Wingard].
"He'll explain something and she'll be like, 'Got it, got it' then she'll just do it... She's so professional and there's so much going on on her face, her expression and the subtleties of that is fascinating to watch."
Kaylee and her family are from Atlanta, Georgia, and she began her acting career in commercials at just nine years old.
She first starred in an advert for the live video messaging app Glide, which is now used by many members of the deaf community.
Stars share tributes to Kaylee Hottle
Millie Bobby Brown
Brown, who appeared in 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters in 2019 and 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong, posted a snap of Hottle on her Instagram Story.
“I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee,” she wrote.
Rebecca Hall
Hall, who worked with Hottle on 2024’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, shared a number of snaps of them together.
“Devastated to hear this news. My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed Kaylee,” she wrote in the caption.
Dan Stevens
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire actor Stevens posted a tribute to Hottle on his Instagram Story along with a broken heart emoji.
Marlee Matlin
Posting a pic of herself, Hottle and actress Shoshannah Stern, Matlin - who was the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award - said: “I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity.”
Shoshannah Stern
The star also penned a tribute, writing: “I am heartbroken. My deepest sympathies to the Hottle family.”
Legendary Pictures
The American production company behind the Godzilla films said in a statement: “We are devastated by the tragic passing of Kaylee Hottle. Through her unforgettable portrayal of Jia, Kaylee brought extraordinary heart, humanity, and light to Godzilla, Kong, and the Monsterverse. She was a cherished member of our film family, and her kindness, warmth, and remarkable talent touched everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her. Our hearts are with her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Topics: US News, Celebrity, Film and TV
Mia Williams