UPDATE 7/21/26 at 2:27 p.m. E.T. — The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release on Tuesday, sharing that officers responded to a single-vehicle collision in Ijamsville, Maryland, at about 2:52 a.m. local time.
A preliminary investigation shared that a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old man traveled off the right side of the road and struck a culvert. The press release noted that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash.
The driver was transported to a local hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening. One of the passengers declined medical treatment at the scene, while the second passenger was identified as Kaylee. She was transported from the scene to a trauma center in the area, where she was pronounced dead.
The crash is currently under investigation by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit.
Original story:
Godzilla vs. Kong star Kaylee Hottle has died after being involved in a car accident. She was 18.
Kaylee’s dad, Joshua Hottle, told TMZ on Tuesday, July 21, that the actress was killed earlier that day in Maryland.
He also shared the news in a Facebook livestream, explaining in ASL that he flew from Texas to claim her body, according to TMZ.
Joshua reportedly said that he learned Kaylee was involved in a serious car accident and was later called by officials to share that his daughter’s heart stopped on the way to the hospital.
Joshua shared that the family is now preparing for arrangements, per Newsweek.
The video was captioned, “I am taking a flight that I never would like to take.” Joshua received support in the comments section.
“What a bright light she was. So talented in every way. A huge loss for all of us. So sorry. ,” one user wrote, while another added, “I’m so sorry for your unimaginable loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending you love, strength, and comfort during this heartbreaking time.”
A third added, “My deeply [sic] condolences.. She’s lucky [to] have you as her daddy. Wow, my heart’s broken. She’s gone so soon. Prayer with you and family…”
Kaylee, who comes from a multi-generational deaf family, was born in Atlanta. She was then raised in Austin, Texas, where she attended the Texas School for the Deaf.
Kaylee started in the entertainment industry with a PSA for the live video messaging app Glide, a tool that is used by members of the community. She was 9 at the time.
Kaylee went on to play Jia in 2021’s Godzilla vs Kong. Her character communicated with King Kong via sign language and lived on Skull Island with Dr. Ilene Andrews, played by Rebecca Hall.
“Hi, this Kaylee Hottle known as Jia in the movie, Godzilla vs Kong,” Kaylee wrote in her first Instagram post in 2021, alongside a video of herself signing. “This is my official Instagram page. I wanted to thank you all for your support and love! ♥️ 🤟 #godzillavskong.”
Three years later, Kaylee reprised her role in the film Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire. She also appeared in the Magnum P.I. reboot, where she portrayed Joon in a season 4 episode. Before her death, Kaylee had a film in pre-production on IMDb titled What Doesn’t Kill Us.
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