Kaylee Hottle, 18‑year‑old Actress, Killed in Maryland Car Crash

Kaylee Hottle, an 18‑year‑old deaf actress best known for playing Jia in the Godzilla vs. Kong films, died in a single‑vehicle crash in Ijamsville, Maryland, on the morning of 21 July 2026. The accident involved a 1995 Honda Accord driven by a 19‑year‑old man from Frederick; the vehicle drifted off Windsor Road and struck a culvert. Police said excessive speed was a contributing factor. Hottle was a passenger; the driver was hospitalized with non‑life‑threatening injuries and a second passenger declined medical assistance. Her father, Joshua Hottle, confirmed the death in a video statement.

Co‑star Millie Bobby Brown posted a black‑and‑white tribute on Instagram, expressing devastation at the loss. Fellow cast member Rebecca Hall and Legendary Pictures also issued statements honoring Hottle’s talent and kindness. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office released details of the investigation, reiterating that speed was believed to have caused the crash.