Kaylee Hottle's death has been ruled an accident.
The Godzilla vs. Kong actress passed away on Tuesday (21.07.26) morning at the age of 18 following a car crash in Frederick, Maryland, and her cause of death has been determined as multiple blunt force injuries, the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to Deadline.
An initial autopsy was completed on Wednesday (22.07.26) morning.
According to the Frederick County sheriff's department, Kaylee was a passenger in a Honda Accord that veered off the road, possibily at high speed, and crashed into a ditch at around 3am. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.
The driver, a 19-year-old man from Maryland, was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Another passenger declined medical treatment at the scene of the crash.
Kalee was taken to an area trauma centre, where she was pronounced dead.
The young actress' passing was announced on Facebook by her father Joshua, who, like his daughter, is deaf.
He captioned the video statement, which he had given using American Sign Language (ASL): “I am taking a flight that I would never like to take.”
In a statement on Instagram, the Texas School for the Deaf, where Kaylee had studied, wrote: “Our hearts are with Kaylee's family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time.”
Kaylee's Godzilla v Kong co-stars Millie Bobby Brown and Rebecca Hall also paid tribute to the late star.
Sharing a black and white screenshot of Kaylee from Godzilla vs. Kong on her Instagram Stories, Millie wrote: “I’m so devastated to hear this.
“You will be deeply missed Kaylee.”
And Rebecca shared a series of photos of them together on Instagram and wrote: "Devastated to hear this news. My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed Kaylee.”
As well as her on-screen roles, Kaylee worked to spread awareness of (ASL), as a deaf individual, from a multi-generational deaf family, herself.
Marlee Matlin, who was the first deaf actress to win an Oscar for her role in the film Children of a Lesser God, also shared her tribute on Instagram, posting a picture of herself with Kaylee, who she met last year.
She wrote alongside it: “I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity.
“Such a privilege to have met Kaylee last year. Please be kind to one another. Take the time to listen to your child. Say [peace] each time you part.”
