Godzilla vs Kong star Kaylee Hottle dies aged 18
Kaylee Hottle has passed away in a car crash aged 18.
The deaf actor who starred in the 2021 film Godzilla vs Kong was in a car accident in the city of Frederick, Maryland, USA, on Tuesday.
Her dad, Joshua Hottle, shared the news to TMZ and in a 23-minute emotional Facebook livestream, revealing she died in transit to the hospital.
"I am taking a flight that I never would like to take," he said in American Sign Language, referencing his flight from Texas to Maryland to claim his daughter's body.
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Joshua said he learned of the serious car accident and was then called shortly afterwards and informed of her death.
Frederick County Sheriff's Office has since released a statement sharing more details about the crash that killed Hottle.
They said they and the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash on Windsor Road in Ijamsville, Maryland.
The vehicle was a 1995 Honda Accord, driven by a 19-year-old man, and there were two passengers onboard, one of whom was Hottle.
Police said the vehicle 'travelled off the right side of the two-lane roadway and struck a culvert', adding 'excessive speed is believed to be a contributing factor'.
The driver was transported to hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening, while the first passenger declined treatment at the scene.
The statement went on: "Hottle was transported from the scene to an area trauma center, where she was later pronounced deceased.
"The crash remains under investigation by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information related to this investigation is asked to contact Dfc. Rose at 301-600-1046."
Kaylee was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but moved to Austin, Texas, as a child.
Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, where she attended, said in a tribute on social media: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that one of our TSD seniors, Kaylee Hottle, tragically passed away yesterday in a car accident in Frederick, Maryland.
“Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time.”
Kaylee started acting when she was nine years old, first appearing in an advert for Glide, a video messaging app designed for those who are deaf or have hearing difficulties.
She made her movie debut playing the character Jia in Godzilla vs Kong, in which she communicates with the famous giant ape King Kong in sign language.
She starred alongside Alexander Skarsgård in the film, who learned sign language to be able to communicate with her.
“It’s her first movie,” Skarsgård told Junkee. “It’s fascinating how comfortable she is in front of the camera and how quickly she takes notes from the director Adam [Wingard].
“He’ll explain something and she’ll be like ‘got it, got it’ then she’ll just do it and everyone’s like, ‘The f**k?'.
“She’s so professional and … there’s so much going on on her face. Her expression and the subtleties of that is fascinating to watch.”
Kaylee reprised the role of Jia in the follow-up film Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire in 2024.
She also appeared in the 2021 Magnum P.I. reboot, playing the character Joon.
LADbible Group has approached the Frederick Police Department for comment.
Stars share tributes to Kaylee Hottle
Millie Bobby Brown
Brown, who appeared in 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters in 2019 and 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong, posted a snap of Hottle on her Instagram Story.
“I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee,” she wrote.
Rebecca Hall
Hall, who worked with Hottle on 2024’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, shared a number of snaps of them together.
“Devastated to hear this news. My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed Kaylee,” she wrote in the caption.
Dan Stevens
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire actor Stevens posted a tribute to Hottle on his Instagram Story along with a broken heart emoji.
Marlee Matlin
Posting a pic of herself, Hottle and actress Shoshannah Stern, Matlin - who was the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award - said: “I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity.”
Shoshannah Stern
The star also penned a tribute, writing: “I am heartbroken. My deepest sympathies to the Hottle family.”
Legendary Pictures
The American production company behind the Godzilla films said in a statement: “We are devastated by the tragic passing of Kaylee Hottle. Through her unforgettable portrayal of Jia, Kaylee brought extraordinary heart, humanity, and light to Godzilla, Kong, and the Monsterverse. She was a cherished member of our film family, and her kindness, warmth, and remarkable talent touched everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her. Our hearts are with her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Daniel Murphy