Outpouring of Grief from Co-Stars
Millie Bobby Brown, who co-starred with Hottle in 'Godzilla vs. Kong' and its sequel, expressed her devastation on Instagram. She shared a black-and-white photo of Hottle from the film and wrote, 'I'm so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee.' Brown, 22, had worked with Hottle when Hottle was just nine years old.[S1][S3]
Rebecca Hall, who played Dr. Ilene Andrews in the Monsterverse, paid tribute by sharing behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram. She wrote, 'Devastated to hear this news. My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed Kaylee.' Mexican actress Eiza González, another co-star, posted a photo of herself and Hottle in costume and wrote, 'I'm devastated. I adore you. I know heaven has the sweetest kindest girl. We will miss you terribly.' Oscar-winning deaf actress Marlee Matlin also shared her grief on social media, stating she was 'absolutely gutted' and adding, 'May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity.' Matlin said it was a privilege to have met Hottle last year.[S1][S2]
Legendary Pictures, the production company, released a statement calling Hottle a 'cherished member' of the film family. 'Through her unforgettable portrayal of Jia, Kaylee brought extraordinary heart, humanity, and light to Godzilla, Kong, and the Monsterverse,' the statement said. 'Her kindness, warmth, and remarkable talent touched everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her.' The statement concluded with 'Rest in Peace, Kaylee.'[S1][S5]
Advocacy, Early Career, and Fatal Crash
Hottle, who was deaf, used her platform to advocate for the deaf community. Teri Devine of the Royal National Institute for Deaf People said Hottle helped 'pave the way' for greater representation and described her as a 'passionate advocate.' Devine added that representation is incredibly important and that Hottle helped improve understanding, challenge misconceptions, and prove that deaf people can achieve anything. Hottle herself said in an interview, 'I want deaf people to know that they can do that too, just like me. There are no limits.' Hottle came from a multi-generational deaf family on her father's side. She earned a Saturn Award nomination in 2025 for her role in 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.'[S1][S5][S6]
Hottle, born in 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia, began acting in commercials. She starred in an ad for the Glide app at age nine, which is popular among the deaf community. She later had a role in the series 'Magnum P.I.' and was cast in 'Godzilla vs. Kong' after an audition from a Convo app commercial. She was scouted by casting director Sarah Halley Finn.[S6]
The fatal crash occurred in Frederick, Maryland, early Tuesday. Frederick County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to the scene at about 02:50 local time. Police said 'excessive speed' was believed to be a factor. Hottle was a passenger in a single-vehicle accident. The 19-year-old driver was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and another passenger declined medical help. Hottle's father, Joshua Hottle, confirmed her death in a Facebook video in American Sign Language, stating he was in Texas when he received the news and was flying to Maryland to claim her body. He captioned the post, 'I am taking a flight that I never would like to take.' Hottle was 18 years old.[S1][S6]
