Kaylee Hottle, the deaf actress who gained international recognition for her role as Jia in the Godzilla vs. Kong film series, has died at the age of 18 following a car crash in Maryland.
Hottle’s death was confirmed by her father, Joshua Hottle, in a video statement shared on Facebook in which he used American Sign Language to announce the news.
The actress was involved in a single-vehicle crash in Ijamsville, Maryland, early Tuesday morning.
According to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the scene at approximately 2:50 a.m. local time. Police said excessive speed was believed to have contributed to the crash.
A 19-year-old driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while another passenger reportedly declined medical treatment at the scene.
Hottle rose to international prominence after portraying Jia, a young orphan, in the 2021 blockbuster Godzilla vs. Kong.
She returned to the role in the 2024 sequel, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, appearing alongside stars including Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, Alexander Skarsgård and Millie Bobby Brown.
Her performance in the sequel earned her a Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Performer in a Film.
The Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle studied, paid tribute to the actress, expressing “profound sadness” over her death.
“Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time,” the school said in a statement.
The institution also urged the public to respect the privacy of Hottle’s family and refrain from speculating about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Warner Bros., distributor of the Godzilla films, also paid tribute to the young actress in a post on X.
Hottle’s role as Jia marked a significant moment of representation in mainstream Hollywood, as she brought a deaf character to a major global film franchise through her use of American Sign Language.
Her death has prompted tributes from her school, film industry colleagues and fans who remembered her contribution to the popular monster-movie franchise.
