Tributes to Kaylee Hottle followed her death in a Maryland car crash, as co-stars remembered the Godzilla vs Kong actress and deaf advocate.
Tributes to Kaylee Hottle have poured in after the Godzilla vs Kong actress was killed in a car crash in Frederick, Maryland. The 18-year-old died in a single-vehicle accident on Tuesday morning, and fellow cast members remembered her talent, warmth and kindness.
Millie Bobby Brown, who appeared with Hottle in the 2021 blockbuster, shared a black-and-white photo of her on Instagram and said she was devastated to hear the news. Rebecca Hall, who also worked with Hottle in both Godzilla films, posted pictures of them together on set and sent condolences to the actress’s family. Eiza González said her heart was broken as she shared a photo of the pair in costume, adding that Hottle would be missed terribly.
Legendary Pictures, the company behind the films, called Hottle a cherished member of the production and said her portrayal of Jia brought heart, humanity and light to the Monsterverse. Oscar-winning deaf actress Marlee Matlin also paid tribute on Instagram, saying she was absolutely gutted by the death of “sweet Kaylee Hottle.”
Hottle played Jia, a young orphan, in the monster movie series and returned for the 2024 sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Beyond her screen work, she had also used her platform to speak up for the deaf community. Teri Devine, associate director of inclusion at the UK charity Royal National Institute for Deaf People, said Hottle helped pave the way for greater representation and used her voice to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions.
Police in Frederick said excessive speed was believed to be a factor in the fatal crash, in which Hottle was a passenger. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to the scene in Ijamsville at about 2:50 a.m. local time. A 19-year-old driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while a second passenger declined help at the scene. The takeaway is simple: Kaylee Hottle’s death has left a mark not just on Hollywood, but on the push for stronger deaf representation too.
