'Godzilla' actress Kaylee Hottle, 18, dies in US car crash

Actress Kaylee Hottle, who gained recognition for her role as Jia in the "Godzilla" film franchise, died early Tuesday in a car accident in Maryland. She was 18 years old.

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Excessive speed is believed to be a contributing factor in the collision.

Hottle and another passenger were in a 1995 Honda Accord when the vehicle veered off a two-lane highway and struck a culvert. According to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, excessive speed is considered a contributing factor to the collision. The incident occurred around 2:52 am on Tuesday.

Hottle was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The driver of the vehicle sustained injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. The other passenger declined medical treatment.

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

The deaf actress played the significant role of Jia, a child who communicates with the giant ape Kong, in "Godzilla v Kong" and its sequel. Her performance earned her a Saturn Award nomination in 2024 for Best Performance by a Younger Actor. Her father, Joshua Hottle, first announced her death in a video posted to Facebook, delivered in American Sign Language. The Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle was a student, described her death as a "tremendous loss" and asked for respect for her family's privacy during this difficult time.

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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.