Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 22, 2026 — Eighteen-year-old deaf actor Kaylee Hottle, recognized for her roles in recent “Godzilla” franchise films, died in a car accident in Ijamsville, Maryland. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning.

According to initial reports, the vehicle Hottle was traveling in went off the roadway. Excessive speed is believed to have been a contributing factor in the accident. The specific circumstances surrounding the vehicle leaving the road are still under investigation.

Kaylee Hottle portrayed the character Jia in the blockbuster films “Godzilla vs. Kong” and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” In these movies, Jia is known for her ability to communicate with the giant ape Kong through the use of sign language. Hottle’s performance brought a unique and memorable dynamic to the popular monster movie series.

The exact details of the accident, including the make and model of the vehicle, the presence of other occupants, and the precise timeline of events leading up to the crash, were not immediately available. Further information regarding the accident is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.


Story summarized from the original created by Rubén Rosario on wsvn.com, see more information here.

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