Kaylee Hottle died after a single-vehicle crash in Frederick County, Maryland, early Tuesday, July 21. The 18-year-old deaf actress played Jia in 2 films from the MonsterVerse franchise, the Baltimore Chronicle editorial team notes.
Kaylee Hottle crash: What investigators reported
Frederick County sheriff’s deputies responded before 3 a.m. to Windsor Road near Ijamsville. A 1995 Honda Accord had left the right side of the two-lane roadway and struck a culvert.
Hottle was one of 2 passengers inside the vehicle. Emergency crews transported her to a trauma center, where she was pronounced dead. The 19-year-old driver suffered injuries described as non-life-threatening. The other passenger declined medical treatment.
Investigators released several preliminary details:
- the crash involved only 1 vehicle;
- the driver was a 19-year-old man from Frederick;
- the Honda left Windsor Road before striking a culvert;
- excessive speed may have contributed to the collision;
- the investigation remains open.
Authorities have not announced any charges. The sheriff’s office is still examining the circumstances preceding the crash.
Who was Kaylee Hottle?
Kaylee Hottle became widely known after portraying Jia in “Godzilla vs. Kong” in 2021. Her character communicated through American Sign Language and developed a close relationship with Kong.
She returned for “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” in 2024. Hottle was a native ASL signer and came from a deaf family. Her performance brought greater visibility to deaf actors in Hollywood.
| Career detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 |
| Breakout role | Jia |
| First MonsterVerse film | “Godzilla vs. Kong” |
| Sequel | “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” |
| School | Texas School for the Deaf |
| Primary language | American Sign Language |
Hottle was a senior at the Texas School for the Deaf. The school said counseling and support services were available for students and staff affected by her death.
Family and school pay tribute to the actress
Hottle’s father, Joshua Hottle, addressed the tragedy through an emotional video in American Sign Language. He said the family was grieving and traveling after receiving the devastating news.
The Texas School for the Deaf described Hottle’s death as heartbreaking. It extended condolences to her family, friends and classmates while requesting privacy and discouraging speculation.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant information can contact Frederick County investigators at 301-600-1046.
Earlier we wrote about Hard Water vs Soft Water: Effects on Plumbing, Appliances, Skin and Laundry