Viral Internet Personality Lil Tay Dead at 14
Internet personality Lil Tay, whose real name was Claire Hope, has reportedly died. She was said to be only 14 years old.
Tay's family shared the news with a statement on her verified Instagram account on Wednesday, Aug. 9. The note announced that her brother, Jason Tian, passed away as well.
The statement shared: "It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing. We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain."
The statement continued, "This outcome was entirely unexpected and has left us all in shock. Her brother’s passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief."
Tay's family went on to ask for privacy as they mourn the loss of their two loved ones, adding that this is an "overwhelming loss." The heartbreaking update did not specify a cause of death for Tay or Tian, but did note that "the circumstances surrounding Claire and her brother’s passing are still under investigation.”
“Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable voice that will be felt by all we knew and loved her,” the family's statement concluded.
Variety reported that they confirmed the death news with Tay's management on Aug. 9. However, according to People on Wednesday, there is no report of the death with the Los Angeles Police Department or the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.
Nonetheless, fans took to the comments and other social media to share their condolences and mourn Tay's death. "Poor child," one follower commented beneath the announcement.
Another shared, "Youngest flexer forever."
Tay rose to fame in 2018, when she was nine years old, gaining attention as a controversial internet personality and rapper. She described herself as the “youngest flexer of the century" and posted a lot about her wealth. Tay was originally from Vancouver, Canada, but later moved to Los Angeles, California.
The last Instagram post still up on Tay's account ahead of her family's statement was a meaningful tribute to her friend XXXTentacion after his death in 2018.
But over the past few years, a family dispute involving her brother and mother versus her father played out on her Instagram, as reported by Insider. Since then, the posts have been deleted.
At the time of her death, Tay's YouTube account had over 220,000 followers, while she had over 3.3 million followers on Instagram.
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This article has been updated with additional details and is still developing.
