Godzilla actor killed in car crash

Godzilla star Kaylee Hottle killed in Maryland car crash Wed 22 Jul 2026 at 11:24am In short: Deaf actor Kaylee Hottle has died in a car crash in Maryland, in the US. Early investigations suggest speed may have been a factor in the crash. Hottle's family, friends and co-stars have all shared touching tributes for the teen in American Sign Language on social media. Kaylee Hottle, the deaf actor best known for her starring role in two Godzilla films, has died in a car crash in the US at the age of 18. Hottle was one of two passengers in the car when it veered off the road and into a culvert in Ijamsville, Maryland, before 3am (5pm AEST) on Tuesday, July 21. The driver, a 19-year-old-Frederick man, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the second passenger declined medical treatment. Frederick County Sheriff's Office said the circumstances into the crash were being investigated, but early reports indicated excessive speed might have been a factor. In both Godzilla films, Hottle played an orphaned girl named Jia who sees beyond Kong's threatening appearance and forms a special bond with the monster, communicating with him using sign language. Her parents honoured her in a series of emotional videos that featured American Sign Language (ASL) and were posted online. Hottle's father, Joshua Hottle, shared a message from the airport, while on his way to Maryland to "bring Kaylee's body back home". "Kaylee's mom and four siblings are crushed," Mr Hottle said. "Very grateful for the 18 years we had together and wish we had more." Mr Hottle also said he had forgiven the driver. "Don't let this incident ruin the rest of your life," he said. Hottle's mother, Ketsi Hottle, shared her own post in ASL. "I still feel Kaylee is with us," Ms Hottle said. Millie Bobby Brown, who starred alongside Hottle in the Godzilla series, said she was devastated to hear the news. "You will be deeply missed Kaylee," Brown said. Hottle was listed to appear in the upcoming film What Doesn't Kill Us. Her co-star and fellow deaf actor in the film, Alaqua Cox, said: "I'm so heartbroken. My heart goes out to her family during this unimaginable time". Other prominent deaf actors also shared messages of grief online. "I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity," Oscar winner Marlee Matlin wrote on Instagram. Fellow Oscar winner Troy Kotsur, who starred in the film Coda, wrote that Hottle's death made him think of his own daughter, and reminded him not to take time for granted. "I have no words to express on what happened this morning," Kotsur wrote, offering his "deepest condolences" to the Hottle family. Officials with the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin also announced Hottle's death on Facebook, writing that counselling and support services would be available to her classmates and friends. "Please keep Kaylee's loved ones in your thoughts as we mourn this tremendous loss together," the school wrote. AP/ABC