Lil Tay, a child star and rapper who became internet famous after a video went viral in 2018, has died aged 14.
Her death was announced in a statement posted to her Instagram account on Wednesday, and the cause of death was not revealed.
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“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing,” said the statement.
“We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. This outcome was entirely unexpected and has left us all in shock,” it reads.
The statement also revealed that Lil’ Tay’s brother had passed away, adding an “even more unimaginable depth to the grief.”
“During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss, as the circumstances surrounding Claire and her brother’s passing are still under investigation.”
Lil Tay’s real name is Claire Hope; she gained notoriety after posting videos about her wealth when she was nine.
According to a 2018 report by the US program Good Morning America, those videos were allegedly filmed in front of homes and using cars belonging to Lil Tay’s mother’s previous employer without obtaining his consent.
Lil Tay responded to the post and claimed, “this is my decision”.
“I’m happy with what I’m doing… People think it’s funny, I guess, cause I’m nine years old, and I’ve accomplished so much.”
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