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Kaylee Hottle, the deaf actress who played Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, has died at 18.
Her father, Joshua Hottle, confirmed to TMZ that she died after a car crash in Frederick, Maryland, early Tuesday morning. He said her heart stopped while she was being transported to the hospital by ambulance following the collision.
According to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Hottle was a passenger in a 1995 Honda Accord. Authorities said the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a culvert.
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The 19-year-old driver and another passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Officials have not announced any other findings from the investigation.
Joshua also shared his situation during an emotional 23-minute Facebook livestream in American Sign Language. He wrote before traveling from Texas, “I am taking a flight that I never would like to take.”
Joshua also shared a video of Kaylee and wrote, “She sang the song beautifully! We all will miss her dearly.”
Hottle came from a multi-generational Deaf family and became a widely recognized advocate for authentic Deaf representation in Hollywood. She earned praise for portraying Jia, the young girl who communicated with King Kong through sign language.
Kaylee’s mother also shared a video message in sign language.
Kaylee Hottle’s School issues statement
The Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle was a senior, paid tribute following her death.
“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,” 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 urged the public to avoid speculation while authorities continue their work.
“Please keep Kaylee’s loved ones in your thoughts as we mourn this tremendous loss together.”
Hottle made her film debut in Godzilla vs. Kong in 2021 before reprising Jia in the 2024 sequel. She also appeared in an episode of Magnum P.I. and received a Saturn Award nomination for her performance in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
Her co-star, Alexander Skarsgard, praised her professionalism during filming in 2021.
“It’s her first movie,” he said. “She’s so professional and just incredibly… there’s so much going on on her face.”
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Hottle’s death ends a promising career that helped bring deaf representation to major studio films. Her performances and advocacy left a lasting impact on audiences and the deaf community alike.
