Godzilla vs Kong actress Kaylee Hottle dies in crash at 18

Godzilla vs Kong actress Kaylee Hottle dies in crash at 18Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Her school has said she died in a car accident in Maryland in the USByNaomi ClarkeBBC NewsbeatPublished7 minutes agoUS actress Kaylee Hottle, who starred in the Godzilla vs. Kong movie series, has died in a car crash at age 18. Hottle, who was deaf, portrayed a young orphan named Jia in the 2021 blockbuster, and reprised the role in 2024 sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.Her father, Joshua Hottle, posted a video statement via Facebook, using American Sign Language to confirm details of her death.Police officers in Frederick, Maryland, said "excessive speed" was believed to be a factor in the single-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Hottle appeared in the Godzilla films alongside Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens and other Hollywood starsThe Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle had studied, also shared the news with "profound sadness". "Our hearts are with Kaylee's family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time," said a statement posted on Instagram, external.It also called for everyone to respect the privacy of her family and to not speculate about the crash. Warner Bros, which distributed the popular monster films, paid tribute to the actress alongside a photo of her in a post on X. , externalFrederick County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to the scene of the crash in Ijamsville at about 02:50 local time.Police said a 19-year-old driver was taken to hospital to be treated for "non life-threatening" injuries, while a second passenger declined help at the scene.Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.Related topicsFilmMore on this storyGodzilla Vs. Kong reports monster box office salesPublished5 April 2021