Godzilla vs Kong’ star Kaylee Hottle dies in car crash

American actress Kaylee Hottle, best known for playing Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong and its sequel Godzilla

WASHINGTON: American actress Kaylee Hottle, best known for playing Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong and its sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, has died in a tragic car accident in Maryland. She was 18.

Her death was confirmed by her father, Joshua Hottle, who shared the heartbreaking news through a video message in American Sign Language (ASL). The Hottle family is deaf, and the announcement was delivered in sign language.

According to reports, the fatal accident occurred in Frederick, Maryland. Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances surrounding the crash, and an investigation is ongoing.

Kaylee rose to international fame after portraying Jia, a deaf orphan who forms a close bond with Kong in the 2021 blockbuster Godzilla vs. Kong. She later reprised the role in the 2024 sequel, earning widespread praise for her performance and becoming a prominent representative of the deaf community in the entertainment industry.

Following news of her death, tributes poured in from fellow actors, filmmakers and fans around the world. Actress Rebecca Hall, who played Kaylee’s adoptive mother in the films, expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to her family. Other co-stars and members of the film industry also remembered her talent, kindness and inspiring spirit.

During her acting career, Kaylee often spoke about the importance of greater representation of deaf performers in film and television. She encouraged young people with disabilities to pursue their dreams, saying deafness should never be viewed as a limitation.

In addition to her appearances in the Godzilla film franchise, Kaylee also worked in television and advertising, steadily building a promising career in Hollywood.