Eighteen-year-old actress Kaylee Hottle, who was deaf, died in a car crash on Tuesday morning in Maryland, in the US.
Her father, Joshua Hottle, confirmed the news using American Sign Language (ASL) in a tearful Facebook livestream. Her mother, Ketsi, shared a post in ASL featuring a selfie with her daughter, writing: "Privilege to be your mom, Kaylee Hottle."
According to a statement from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Hottle was one of two passengers in a single-vehicle collision. The vehicle was being driven by a local 19-year-old, and officers noted that "excessive speed is believed to be a contributing factor in the collision." Hottle was identified at the scene before being pronounced dead at a local trauma centre.
The Texas School for the Deaf in Austin paid tribute to the young actress, sharing a photo with the caption: "Our hearts are with Kaylee's family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time."
Hottle made her breakthrough in Godzilla vs. Kong alongside Alexander Skarsgård and Millie Bobby Brown. She played an orphaned deaf girl, Jia, who formed a bond with Kong by communicating through ASL. Three years later, she reprised her role in the sequel, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
Her former co-star Millie Bobby Brown wrote on Instagram: "I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed, Kaylee."
Marlee Matlin, the first deaf actress to win an Oscar, shared a photo of herself with Hottle on X, writing: "I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity."
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