The 18-year-old actress, known for her role as Jia in the MonsterVerse franchise, dies in a car crash in Maryland

Millie Bobby Brown has paid an emotional tribute to her young Godzilla vs Kong co-star Kaylee Hottle, following the news of the actress’s death at the age of 18.

According to reports, Hottle passed away on July 21, 2026, after being involved in a single-vehicle car crash in Ijamsville, Maryland.

Following the announcement of her death, Brown shared a heartfelt message on Instagram Stories, expressing her grief over losing her former co-star.

“I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed, Kaylee,” Brown wrote.

The actress also shared a picture of Hottle from one of their scenes in Godzilla vs Kong, remembering the young performer and their time working together.

Rebecca Hall also remembers Kaylee Hottle

Another lead actress from the MonsterVerse film, Rebecca Hall, also shared a tribute following the tragic news.

“Devastated to hear this news. My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed, Kaylee,” Hall wrote.

Fans and members of the entertainment community also expressed their condolences, remembering Hottle’s contribution to the blockbuster franchise and her impact as a young performer.

Kaylee Hottle’s acting career

Hottle made her acting debut at the age of nine in Godzilla vs Kong, where she played Jia, a deaf orphaned Iwi girl from Skull Island who forms a special bond with Kong.

As a native user of American Sign Language (ASL), Hottle brought unique representation to the MonsterVerse franchise and became one of the youngest deaf actors to appear in a major Hollywood production.

She later reprised her role in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, where Jia’s relationship with Dr Ilene Andrews, played by Rebecca Hall, became a central part of the storyline.

Millie Bobby Brown’s role in Godzilla vs Kong

Brown starred as Madison Russell in Godzilla vs Kong, returning to the role she first played in Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

The actress was part of the film’s main cast alongside Alexander Skarsgård, Rebecca Hall and Kaylee Hottle.

The MonsterVerse is set to continue with the upcoming sequel titled Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, scheduled for release in March next year. The film will mark the first instalment in the franchise without Hottle’s presence following her passing.