18-year-old actress Kaylee Hottle dies in US road crash

Kaylee Hottle, an 18-year-old actress who appeared in two “Godzilla” films, has died in a car accident in Maryland, the United States.

Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said Hottle and another passenger were in a 1995 Honda Accord driven by a 19-year-old man when it veered off a two-lane highway and struck a culvert on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

“Excessive speed is believed to be a contributing factor in the collision,” the force said, adding that that an investigation into the accident has commenced.

Police said Hottle was transported to a hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Police added that the driver sustained injuries not believed to be life-threatening, while the other passenger declined medical treatment.

The actress, who is deaf, played the major role of “Jia” in “Godzilla v Kong” and the sequel “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire.”

She was nominated in 2024 for the Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor.

Woman shares heartbreak after vitiligo diagnosis

Her father, Joshua Hottle, first shared news of her death in American Sign Language in a tearful video posted to Facebook.

Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle was a student, said on social media that her death was a “tremendous loss.”

It said: “Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time.

“At this time, we have very limited information and ask that everyone respect the privacy of Kaylee’s family and refrain from sharing or speculating about the circumstances surrounding the accident.”