18-Year-Old 'Godzilla Vs Kong' Actress Kaylee Hottle Dies in US Car Crash
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| Kaylee Hottle (American actress) |
Kaylee Hottle, an 18-year-old actress known for her roles in two Godzilla franchise films, died early Tuesday morning following a single-vehicle accident in Maryland, local law enforcement confirmed.
According to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Hottle was a passenger in a 1995 Honda Accord driven by a 19-year-old male when the vehicle departed a two-lane highway and collided with a culvert. Another passenger was also present in the vehicle.
“Excessive speed is believed to be a contributing factor in the collision,” said the force, which responded to the scene around 2:52 am (0652 GMT) Tuesday and is investigating the crash.
Hottle was rushed to a hospital following the crash, where she subsequently succumbed to her injuries. Police noted that the driver received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, while the third occupant refused medical attention.
The deaf actress was widely celebrated for playing Jia, a central character in Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Her breakout work led to a Saturn Award nomination in 2024 for Best Performance by a Younger Actor.
News of her death was first shared by her father, Joshua Hottle, in a poignant American Sign Language video on Facebook. The Texas School for the Deaf, where she attended classes, posted a tribute honoring her memory and mourning the "tremendous loss."
“Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time,” it said.
“At this time, we have very limited information and ask that everyone respect the privacy of Kaylee’s family and refrain from sharing or speculating about the circumstances surrounding the accident.”
