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Kaylee Hottle, the Deaf actress known for playing Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong and its sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, has died at the age of 18.
Her father, Joshua Hottle, confirmed the news in an American Sign Language livestream on Facebook, explaining that his daughter had been involved in a fatal car crash in Maryland, US.
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office later said Hottle was taken to a trauma centre, where she was pronounced dead.
Police said "excessive speed" was believed to have been a contributing factor, although the crash remains under investigation. The 19-year-old driver sustained injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, while another passenger declined medical treatment.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 2007, Hottle came from a multigenerational Deaf family. She began performing at the age of nine, and made her feature-film debut in 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong. Her character was a young Deaf survivor from Skull Island who formed a close bond with Kong.
Many have paid tribute to Hottle, including the Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle was a senior. They said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that one of our TSD seniors, Kaylee Hottle, tragically passed away 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. Please keep Kaylee’s loved ones in your thoughts as we mourn this tremendous loss together.”
Legendary Pictures, the production company behind the Godzilla movies, said in a statement on X: “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.”
Millie Bobby Brown, who starred in Godzilla vs. Kong, shared a tribute on her Instagram Story, in which she said she was “devastated", while Hottle’s Godzilla co-star Rebecca Hall shared a series of photos in an Instagram post. She wrote: “Devastated to hear this news. My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed Kaylee.”
CODA Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin wrote on Facebook: “I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity.”
RIP Kaylee Hottle 2007 - 2026
