Sahara Ray, Model and Designer, Dies at 34
The Australian-American model and swimwear designer, known for a past relationship with Justin Bieber, passed away surrounded by family.
Sahara Ray, an Australian-American swimsuit model and designer, has died at the age of 34. Her family confirmed her passing to TMZ, stating, "She passed away last night surrounded by family at the hospital. She was so loved."
A cause of death has not yet been publicly announced. The news follows less than a year after Ray welcomed her first child, a daughter named Snow.
Ray gained public attention in 2016 when she was reportedly dating singer Justin Bieber. Paparazzi photos surfaced of them during a skinny dipping session that August.
Like her father, big wave surfer Tony Ray, Sahara grew up with a passion for surfing. However, she transitioned to modeling and fashion in her teenage years. She later relocated to Los Angeles to attend The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). Ray established a career in modeling and launched her own swimwear line, Sahara Ray Swim. She was also known for her friendships within the modeling community, including with British model Lottie Moss.