American-Korean Actress Kaylee Hottle Dies in Car Accident at 18

Korean-American actress Kaylee Hottle, who played Jia — the girl who communicated with Kong through sign language in the “Godzilla” film series — has passed away in a car accident. She was 18.

According to US media on the 21st (local time), Hottle died in a vehicle accident near Ijamsville, in Frederick County, Maryland.

The vehicle was reportedly driven by a 19-year-old male. It reportedly ran off a two-lane road and struck a drainage structure. Local investigators are looking into speeding as one possible cause of the accident and are working to determine the exact circumstances.

Hottle was taken to a trauma center immediately after the accident but was ultimately pronounced dead. The driver is said to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Hottle comes from a Deaf family whose first language is American Sign Language. Her mother is reportedly Korean American and was adopted as a child.

She introduced herself to film fans worldwide playing Jia in the 2021 release “Godzilla vs. Kong.” Jia is a character who shares a special bond with Kong, communicating with him through sign language. Hottle left a deep impression with her genuine sign language and nuanced facial expressions.

She reprised the role in the 2024 sequel “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” Off-screen, she attended the Texas School for the Deaf and was also active as a track athlete.

Tributes poured in from the film industry and the Deaf community following the sudden news. Co-star Millie Bobby Brown expressed her condolences, saying, “I am so sad to hear this news.”

Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin also paid tribute, saying she hopes Hottle’s beauty and talent will be remembered for a long time.

Troy Kotsur, who starred in “CODA,” and Alaqua Cox, who was set to appear in an upcoming project with Hottle, also offered their condolences to the family.

The Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle was a student, also released a statement of mourning through its official account. The school said, “Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who loved her,” and asked that the family’s privacy be respected and that people refrain from speculating about the circumstances of the accident.

Hottle’s father, Joshua Hottle, shared his heartfelt feelings for his daughter on social media. He wrote, “We are so grateful for the 18 years we had together. I wish it had been longer.” He also had an unexpected message for the 19-year-old driver. Joshua reportedly wrote, “I forgive you,” adding, “Don’t let this ruin the rest of your life.”

Source: (A)