Kaylee Hottle, the young actress who starred in the Godzilla vs. Kong movie series, has died in a car crash at the age of 19.
Hottle, who was deaf, portrayed a young orphan named Jia in the 2021 blockbuster and reprised the role in the 2024 sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Her performance, which relied on American Sign Language, was widely praised and brought representation to deaf audiences worldwide.
Her father, Joshua Hottle, posted a video statement via Facebook, using American Sign Language to confirm details of her death. He did not provide further details but asked for privacy during the family’s time of grief.
Police officers in Frederick, Maryland, said “excessive speed” was believed to be a factor in the single-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to the scene in Ijamsville at about 2:50 AM local time.
A 19-year-old driver was taken to hospital to be treated for “non life-threatening” injuries, while a second passenger declined help at the scene. Hottle was the only fatality. Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances of the crash, and investigations are ongoing.
The Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle had studied, shared the news with “profound sadness.” In a statement posted on Instagram, the school said: “Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time.” The school also called for everyone to respect the privacy of her family and to not speculate about the crash.
Warner Bros, which distributed the popular monster films, paid tribute to the actress alongside a photo of her in a post on X. The studio did not provide a detailed statement but acknowledged her contribution to the franchise.
Fans and colleagues also took to social media to express their shock and grief. Many highlighted Hottle’s inspiring journey as a deaf actress breaking barriers in Hollywood. Her performance in the Godzilla vs. Kong films was seen as a significant step forward for representation, bringing deaf culture to a global mainstream audience.
Hottle was born deaf and grew up in Texas. She was discovered by a casting director for Godzilla vs. Kong after a search for a deaf actress to play the role of Jia. At the time, she was just 13 years old. Her natural talent and ability to convey emotion through sign language and expression won over audiences and critics alike.
In interviews, Hottle often spoke about the importance of representation and her hope that her work would inspire other deaf and hard-of-hearing children to pursue their dreams. Her performance in the 2024 sequel further cemented her place as a rising talent in Hollywood.
