Former child star of Godzilla v Kong movies killed in crash aged 18

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Kaylee Hottle, the deaf actor best known for her roles in the Godzilla v Kong film series, has died in a car crash. She was 18.

Hottle’s father, Joshua, confirmed her death in an emotional 22-minute video uploaded to social media using American Sign Language, as he is also deaf. The video stream was captioned: “I am taking a flight that I never would like to take.”

Kaylee Hottle at the premiere of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” in 2024.AP Photo/Richard Shotwell

Texas School for the Deaf, which Hottle had attended, also confirmed her death on Instagram.

“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 post read, attached to a high school image of Hottle.

“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.”

Kaylee’s mother Tetsi paid tribute to her daughter in an Instagram video, with the caption “Privilege to be your mom, Kaylee Hottle. ❤️”

Academy Award-winning deaf actor Marlee Matlin, known for her activism for the deaf community in and out of Hollywood, also shared an online tribute for Hottle.

“I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity,” she said in a Facebook post.

Fellow Godzilla vs. Kong actor Milly Bobby Brown paid tribute to her costar via an Instagram Story, well, saying, “I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed, Kaylee”.

Hottle played the starring role of Jia in the 2021 film Godzilla vs. Kong and its 2024 sequel, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.

She was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor for her role in the series’ sequel.

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Kayla Olaya is a culture reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.