Kaylee Hottle, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in the Godzilla franchise, has tragically died at the age of 18 following a car crash in Frederick, Maryland. Her co-star, Millie Bobby Brown, led tributes to the young talent, expressing her devastation at the news.
Ms Hottle’s death was confirmed by her father, Joshua, in an emotional livestream shared on Facebook on Tuesday, conducted entirely in American Sign Language (ASL), reflecting that the Hottle family is deaf. Her mother, Ketsi, also posted a tribute in ASL, featuring a selfie with her daughter and the poignant message: "Privilege to be your mom, Kaylee Hottle."
Millie Bobby Brown, who starred alongside Ms Hottle in Godzilla Vs Kong and its sequel, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, shared a black and white image of her co-star on Instagram. The Emmy-nominated actress wrote: "I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee."
Ms Hottle made her feature film debut in Godzilla Vs Kong, portraying Jia, an orphaned deaf girl who forms a unique bond with the giant ape Kong through ASL. She reprised this role in the 2024 sequel, earning a Saturn Award nomination for best performance by a younger actor. Throughout her career, Ms Hottle was a vocal advocate for the inclusion of deaf individuals in the entertainment industry.
Hottle was one of two passengers involved in a collision at 3am on Tuesday morning, while the driver was a 19-year-old man who was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries, The Associated Press reports.
AP said the crash is under investigation, with Frederick County Sheriff’s Office saying “excessive speed” is believed to be a factor.
Further tributes poured in from across the acting community. Marlee Matlin, the first deaf actress to win an Oscar, shared a photo on X with Ms Hottle and fellow actress Shoshannah Stern, stating: "I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity." Ms Stern also expressed her grief on Instagram, writing: "I am heartbroken. My deepest sympathies to the Hottle family."
The Texas School For The Deaf (TSD) in Austin, where Ms Hottle was a senior, also released a statement following the "heartbreaking" news. The institution shared a photograph of her, adding: "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. Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time." The school concluded by asking for thoughts for Ms Hottle’s loved ones "as we mourn this tremendous loss together."
Beyond her prominent film roles, Ms Hottle also appeared in a 2021 episode of Magnum PI and featured in several advertisements, including one promoting support for the deaf community’s pursuit of equal rights.
