'Godzilla vs Kong' child actor Kaylee Hottle dies in Maryland car crash at 18
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND: Kaylee Hottle, the breakout performer who captured hearts as 'Jia' in 'Godzilla vs Kong' has died following a car accident in Maryland on Tuesday, July 21. She was 18.
The devastating update came from her father, Joshua Hottle, who spoke to TMZ and shared that he had to urgently travel across the country after being told his daughter had not survived the crash.
Her unexpected passing has sent shockwaves through fans of the blockbuster franchise, while also deeply affecting the deaf community, where Hottle had become a powerful and widely celebrated presence.
Kaylee Hottle's dad confirms tragic death
Joshua Hottle shared the devastating confirmation that his daughter died after a car crash in Maryland.
In a deeply emotional Facebook livestream delivered in American Sign Language, he told viewers he was preparing to take a flight “no parent ever wants to take” to identify his daughter and bring her home.
He explained that the first call he received informed him Kaylee had been involved in a serious accident.
Soon after, a second update brought the worst possible news: her heart had stopped while she was being rushed to the hospital.
His message prompted an immediate wave of grief online, with fans and supporters remembering Kaylee as a warm, gifted and inspiring young talent whose presence had helped bring meaningful representation to the deaf community.
Kaylee Hottle: rising star with a lasting impact
Despite being just 18, Kaylee Hottle had already emerged as one of the most visible young deaf actors in Hollywood.
Her breakthrough came in 2021 with 'Godzilla vs. Kong', where she played 'Jia', a deaf child who connects with Kong through sign language, role that resonated with global audiences.
She reprised the character in 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire', continuing to bring authentic American Sign Language to a massive international stage.
Originally from Georgia and raised in Austin, Texas, Kaylee was part of a multigenerational deaf family and grew up with ASL as her primary language.
Before transitioning to film, she appeared in commercials, public service campaigns and advocacy initiatives focused on deaf awareness and also had a guest role in the reboot of Magnum PI.
Her work, especially in the Godzilla films, was widely praised for its authenticity and impact, helping expand representation in mainstream cinema and inspiring many within the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
