At eighteen years old, Kaylee Hottle — the deaf actress who brought the character Jia to life in Godzilla vs. Kong and, in doing so, offered rare and celebrated representation to millions — died following a car crash in Maryland. Her father, Joshua Hottle, shared the news through a Facebook livestream before speaking to major outlets, describing how his daughter suffered a heart attack while being transported to hospital after the accident. The official cause of death remains pending, but the loss arrives with the particular weight of a young life cut short at the very moment it was beginning
Godzilla vs. Kong actress Kaylee Hottle, 18, dies after Maryland crash
Kaylee Hottle, 18, died from a heart attack following a car crash in Maryland, leaving her family and fans mourning the loss of the young deaf actress.