Millie Bobby Brown is among the stars who have remembered the "talent" and "kindness" of US actress Kaylee Hottle, who died in a car crash aged 18. Hottle was killed in a single-vehicle accident in Frederick, Maryland on Tuesday morning.
The young actress, who was deaf, appeared alongside Bobby Brown in the 2021 blockbuster Godzilla vs Kong.
Bobby Brown shared her sadness, alongside a black and white image of Hottle, to her Instagram story. Over the photo, the Stranger Things star wrote:
"I'm so devastated to hear this.
"You will be deeply missed Kaylee."
Hottle played a young orphan named Jia in the monster film series, and reprised the role in the 2024 sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
British actress Rebecca Hall, who featured in both films with Hottle, paid tribute by sharing pictures of them together on set.
"My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed Kaylee,"Hall said.
Fellow co-star and Mexican actress Eiza González said her "heart is absolutely broken" as she posted a photo of them posing in costume.
"I'm devastated. I adore you,"wrote González.
"I know heaven has the sweetest kindest girl. We will miss you terribly."
Legendary Pictures, the production company behind the Godzilla movies, described Hottle as a "cherished member" of the production. The statement on Instagram said:
"Through her unforgettable portrayal of Jia, Kaylee brought extraordinary heart, humanity, and light to Godzilla, Kong, and the Monsterverse,"
"Her kindness, warmth, and remarkable talent touched everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her."
Oscar winning deaf actress Marlee Matlin also shared a photo to her Instagram of herself and fellow actress Shoshannah Stern alongside Hottle. Matlin said she was "absolutely gutted" about the passing of "sweet Kaylee Hottle."
"May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity."
Over the years, Hottle had worked to advocate for the deaf community. Teri Devine, associate director of inclusion at UK charity Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), told beat that Hottle helped "pave the way" for greater representation. She described her as a "passionate advocate for the deaf community and deaf actors in Hollywood" and said she used her platform to "raise awareness and inspire others to drive positive change for people who are deaf or have hearing loss".
"Representation of people who are deaf or have hearing loss in the spotlight is incredibly important," Devine added.
"Kaylee helped to improve understanding, challenge misconceptions, and prove there are no limits to what people who are deaf or have hearing loss can achieve."
The actress also set an example to young people, a spokesperson for the National Deaf Children's Society said. Martin McLean, the charity's deputy director of policy and campaigns, said Hottle "inspired deaf children and young people by showing that there are no limits to what they can achieve".
"Positive deaf role models help deaf young people feel less alone, build confidence in their identity and ambitions, and show them that anything is possible,"he added.
Her death was confirmed by her father Joshua Hottle, who posted a video statement to Facebook, which was in American Sign Language (ASL). The actress's mother, Ketsi Hottle, also shared a video on Instagram in ASL, which she captioned:
"Privilege to be your mom, Kaylee Hottle."
Police officers in Frederick, Maryland, said "excessive speed" was believed to be a factor in the fatal crash, in which she was a passenger. Frederick County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to the scene of the crash in Ijamsville at about 02:50 local time. They said a 19-year-old driver was taken to hospital to be treated for "non life-threatening" injuries, while a second passenger declined help at the scene.
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