Kaylee Hottle, an 18-year-old American actress seen in two films in the “Godzilla” franchise, died Monday night in a car accident in the US state of Maryland (east), authorities said.
Driven by a 19-year-old man, the vehicle in which the young woman was, alongside another passenger, veered off the road and struck an obstacle, according to a press release from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.
Intervening shortly before 3 a.m., the police believe that “excessive speed” contributed to the accident.
Kaylee Hottle was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead, authorities said. The driver was injured but his life is not in danger, while the other passenger refused medical treatment.
The actress, who was deaf, was known for the role of “Jia,” a character in “Godzilla vs. Kong” (2021) and “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire” (2024), speaking in sign language.
She was nominated in 2024 for the Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Young Actor or Actress.
His parents reacted to his death in sign language videos posted on Facebook.
The school dedicated to deaf students where the young woman studied in Texas deplored “an immense loss” on social networks.
“Our thoughts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates and all those who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time,” the school wrote.
The school also calls for “respecting the privacy of Kaylee’s family and refraining from sharing or speculating about the circumstances of the accident.”
