The deaf actress, who featured in the Godzilla vs Kong film series, was involved in a fatal single vehicle accident on Tuesday 21 July and tragically passed away while on the way to the hospital. 

Her father Joshua Hottle, shared the news to TMZ and in a 23-minute emotional Facebook livestream where he confirmed in ASL (American Sign Language) that she had died at the age of 18. Police caught on bodycam footage "I am taking a flight that I never would like to take," he said as he prepared to fly from Texas to Maryland to claim his daughter's body. 

Now, audio obtained by Page Six has revealed a heartbreaking detail about the crash and the immediate aftermath, as first responders desperately searched for someone proficient in sign language as they attempted to communicate with Hottle. Kaylee was the only person who died in the crash (Bobby Bank/Getty Images) In the audio, officials can be heard saying: "If anybody has access to the interpreter app on the phones, can you please start this way? Because we need a sign language interpreter." The Frederick County Sheriff, Fire and EMS dispatch audio also revealed that Hottle was 'unconscious' when she was first discovered as the responders worked to assess everyone involved in the crash. 

However, while Hottle's injuries would prove to be fatal, the 19-year-old driver was transported to hospital with injuries which were said to be non life-threatening, while another passenger declined treatment at the scene. 

Police said the vehicle 'traveled off the right side of the two-lane roadway and struck a culvert', adding 'excessive speed is believed to be a contributing factor'. First responders in the audio noted the 'heavy front-end damage' and suggested that the car had travelled roughly 10 feet off the roadway and into a culvert. 

The police statement added: "Hottle was transported from the scene to an area trauma center, where she was later pronounced deceased. 

"The crash remains under investigation by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information related to this investigation is asked to contact Dfc. Rose at 301-600-1046." The audio also reveals that another individual, who is presumed to be the driver, had asked to be seen by medics after complaining of 'rib pain'.

She was best known for her role in the Godzilla vs Kong films (Michael Tullberg/Getty Images) After Hottle sadly passed away en route to the hospital, her father was called and given the terrible news. She had made her acting debut in the Godzilla vs. Kong 2021 release, starring alongside Millie Bobby Brown and Alexander Skarsgård, who learned sign language so that he could properly communicate with her. 

The actress then reprised her role in the 2024 sequel, while also playing a part in the 2021 Magnum P.I reboot. 

Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, where she attended, said in a tribute on social media: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that one of our TSD seniors, Kaylee Hottle, tragically passed away yesterday in a car accident in Frederick, Maryland. 

“Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time.”

Stars share tributes to Kaylee Hottle 

Millie Bobby Brown Brown shared a still from one of the Godzilla movies (Instagram/@milliebobbybrown) Brown, who appeared in 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters in 2019 and 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong, posted a snap of Hottle on her Instagram Story. “I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee,” she wrote. 

Rebecca Hall The pair starred alongside each other in the 2024 film (Instagram/@rebeccahall) Hall, who worked with Hottle on 2024’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, shared a number of snaps of them together. “Devastated to hear this news. My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed Kaylee,” she wrote in the caption. 

Dan Stevens Stevens shared several pics of Hottle in his post (Instagram/@thatdanstevens) Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire actor Stevens posted a tribute to Hottle on his Instagram Story along with a broken heart emoji. 

Marlee Matlin The actress said she was 'gutted' (Instagram/@themarleematlin) Posting a pic of herself, Hottle and actress Shoshannah Stern, Matlin - who was the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award - said: “I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity.” 

Shoshannah Stern 

The star also penned a tribute, writing: “I am heartbroken. My deepest sympathies to the Hottle family.” 

Legendary Pictures 

The American production company behind the Godzilla films said in a statement: “We are devastated by the tragic passing of Kaylee Hottle. Through her unforgettable portrayal of Jia, Kaylee brought extraordinary heart, humanity, and light to Godzilla, Kong, and the Monsterverse. She was a cherished member of our film family, and her kindness, warmth, and remarkable talent touched everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her. Our hearts are with her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her during this unimaginably difficult time.”