Influencer Remembers Model Sahara Ray's Generosity Ahead of Death

Model Sahara Ray, who died Sunday at age 34 from a drug overdose, was remembered by influencer Emily Gambin as a "pure and beautiful" person who agreed to work for "peanuts" to support Gambin's nascent fashion label.

Gambin, who posts online as Em Davies, shared that Ray, the founder of the Venem 1.0 brand, approached her to model for her collection. "What made the experience even more special is how beautiful Sahara was as a person. So kind, so warm, so generous," Gambin wrote on Instagram, sharing photos from their campaign.

"I knew she believed in me. She didn't have to take a chance on a random girl from Perth and a brand that hadn't even started, but she did, and for peanuts I might add," Gambin continued. "She was pure as f**k."

Gambin expressed her heartbreak over Ray's passing, particularly knowing she had a young child. "I'm so beyond sad to hear of her passing, especially knowing she has a little baby of her own. My heart breaks for her family and everyone who loved her," she wrote. "I'll forever be grateful that our paths crossed and that she became part of a story that started all those years ago sitting beside my mum scrolling through Instagram."

Ray died from a fentanyl overdose on Friday night and was transported to a Los Angeles hospital, according to a source close to the model. She had become a mother just months prior to her death, welcoming her daughter Snow in January.

Ray's family confirmed her death on Monday to TMZ. "She passed away last night surrounded by family at the hospital. She was so loved," they stated.

Ray, daughter of big wave surfer Tony Ray, first gained public attention in August 2016 following rumors of a relationship with Justin Bieber, after they were photographed skinny dipping together. She was also previously linked to model Jordan Barrett and singer Cody Simpson.