Model Sahara Ray Dies at 34 After Apparent Overdose
The family of Sahara Ray, a model and social media personality, revealed that she died after an apparent drug overdose, a development that came months after she became a mother.
Sahara Ray, a 34-year-old model and social media personality, died on Friday night following an apparent drug overdose, according to a source close to the model. Ray was rushed to a Los Angeles area hospital before her death.
Her family confirmed her passing, noting the agonizing decision to turn off her life support. Ray had become a mother in January, announcing the birth of her daughter, Snow, on Instagram.
Ray, who was of Australian-American descent, was known for her modeling work and her presence on social media. She first gained media attention in 2016 when she was rumored to be dating Justin Bieber. Her family described her as a passionate and kind individual who loved fashion, her daughter, and surfing.
In December 2021, Ray publicly shared her struggles with addiction, entering a 30-day treatment program for drug and alcohol abuse. She invited her followers to witness her journey through rehabilitation.
Ray's health had also been significantly impacted by other medical issues. In May 2024, she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition that causes the immune system to attack the nerves, after being struck by a car driven by an alleged drunk driver. This incident left her partially paralyzed from the upper thighs down, requiring the use of a wheelchair and walker.
Ray was also known for her friendships within the modeling industry, including with British model Lottie Moss.
Her last known social media post was in July 2026, featuring photos of her infant daughter. Ray was the daughter of big wave surfer Tony Ray and real estate agent Gretchen Bach.