Kaylee Hottle, a deaf actor best known for her starring role in two “Godzilla” films, died in a car crash in Maryland early Tuesday morning. She was 18.
Hottle was a passenger in a car that went off the road and struck a culvert in Ijamsville before 3 a.m. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and another passenger declined medical treatment, according to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. Excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.
Hottle, a native signer of American Sign Language, played Jia, an orphaned girl who forms a bond with the monster Kong and communicates with him using sign language, in “Godzilla vs. Kong” and its sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.”
Her parents, Joshua and Ketsi Hottle, shared emotional video statements on social media. “Kaylee’s mom and four siblings are crushed,” her father said. “They are together at home, grieving. I am on my way to Maryland to bring Kaylee’s body back home.” He added that Hottle’s heart stopped before she arrived at a hospital after being airlifted from the crash scene.
Joshua Hottle also reached out to the driver, a 19-year-old man. “I have forgiven you,” he said. “Don’t let this incident ruin the rest of your life.”
Co-stars and other members of the deaf community expressed their grief. Millie Bobby Brown, who starred alongside Hottle, posted on Instagram, “You will be deeply missed Kaylee.” Alexander Skarsgård, who learned ASL to communicate with Hottle, previously told Junkee that he and others were impressed by her professionalism and ability to incorporate direction.
In a 2024 interview with The Associated Press, Hottle said her father helped her understand the monster movie genre, as she had not watched such films before being cast. She described her parents and sisters as her role models. Hottle also shared that she had been concerned about returning to her “normal life” after filming the first “Godzilla” movie, but found that recognition at school was manageable.
Hottle also appeared in a 2021 episode of “Magnum P.I.” and was listed in the upcoming film “What Doesn’t Kill Us.” Alaqua Cox, a fellow deaf actor and co-star in “What Doesn’t Kill Us,” wrote on Instagram, “I am so heartbroken. My heart goes out to her family during this unimaginable time.” Oscar winner Marlee Matlin called Hottle’s passing a loss of “sweet Kaylee Hottle,” adding, “May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity.” Fellow Oscar winner Troy Kotsur expressed that Hottle’s death reminded him not to take time for granted and offered his condolences to the family.
The Texas School for the Deaf in Austin announced Hottle’s death on Facebook, stating that counseling services would be available to her classmates and friends.