Hottle’s family confirmed the tragic news, revealing that the young actress died after a crash. Her father, Joshua Hottle, shared a video statement on Facebook where he used American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate details surrounding his daughter’s passing.
According to police officials in Frederick, Maryland, investigators believe excessive speed may have contributed to the single-vehicle accident, which happened on Tuesday morning.
Hottle, who was deaf and communicated through sign language, gained international recognition after portraying Jia, a young orphan girl with a special connection to the giant monsters, in the 2021 blockbuster Godzilla vs. Kong. She returned to the role in the 2024 sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
Her performance earned praise from fans and critics, with Hottle receiving a nomination for Best Younger Performer at the Saturn Awards for her work in the franchise.
The Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle was a student, also paid tribute to her with a statement expressing deep sorrow over her death.
“With profound sadness,” the school wrote, “our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time.”
The school also asked people to respect the privacy of Hottle’s family and avoid spreading unconfirmed information about the circumstances of the crash.
Warner Bros. Pictures, which distributed the popular monster films, also honored the actress by sharing a tribute alongside a photo of Hottle on X.
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to the crash scene in Ijamsville at about 2:50 a.m. local time. Authorities reported that a 19-year-old driver was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while another passenger at the scene did not require medical treatment.
Hottle starred in “Godzilla vs. Kong” alongside major Hollywood names including Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, and Rebecca Hall.
Hottle appeared in the Godzilla film franchise alongside Hollywood stars including Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, and other notable actors.
Kaylee Hottle’s Journey From Deaf Community Advocate to Hollywood Star
Born in the United States, Kaylee Hottle was deaf and grew up communicating through sign language. Both of her parents also used sign language, helping her develop strong communication skills from an early age.
She attended the Texas School for the Deaf, where she became known not only for acting but also for her involvement in athletics, including track and field activities and other school programs.
Hottle’s entertainment journey began with appearances in commercials before filmmakers discovered her talent and cast her in larger projects. Beyond the Godzilla franchise, she appeared in television productions including Magnum P.I..
Her portrayal of Jia made her one of the few deaf actors to gain a major role in a global blockbuster franchise, and she became an inspiration to many members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Although her acting career was still in its early stages, Kaylee Hottle left a lasting impression through her performances, representation, and contribution to bringing greater visibility to deaf talent in Hollywood.