Viral social media star Lil Tay, whose real name is Claire Hope, has reportedly died at the age of 14, her family confirmed on her verified Instagram account on Wednesday, August 9.
The statement described her death as “sudden and tragic” and “entirely unexpected.”
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing,” the statement said. “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 was also revealed that her brother, Jason Tian, has also passed away which they noted “adds an even more unimaginable depth to our 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,” read the post.
“Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her.”
The cause of the deaths of Lil Tay and her brother has not yet been made public as it is currently undergoing investigation.
In another report by American news outlet Insider, the internet star’s father and former manager Christopher Hope, had told Insider that he “could not comment on the Instagram post and declined to answer whether his daughter was still alive.”
The rapper’s other manager, Harry Tsang had also told Insider that the situation needs “cautious consideration” and that he could not confirm or deny the statement at the moment.
Insider reported that US authorities have not received information regarding the death of anyone named Claire Hope.
“The Los Angeles Police Department and county medical examiner had no information on an investigation into the death of anyone named Claire Hope,” the news source wrote.
“The Vancouver Police Department also said they had no reports of her death and were not investigating the case,” it added.
As the news quickly circulated online, netizens expressed their concern at the uncertainty of the tragedy which was fueled by the young rapper’s cryptic bio on her YouTube channel which said “help me.”
Lil Tay rose to fame at the age of nine in 2017 for her explicit online personality flexing about her lavish lifestyle with mansions, cars, and heaps of cash. She amassed over 3 million followers on Instagram.
In 2018, she disappeared from the internet after a video was leaked with the voice behind the camera that seemingly fed her lines. People speculated that it was her brother.
Lil Tay had also sparked concern after reportedly posting an Instagram story with the words “Help me” along with her account being wiped clean.
Her last post was a tribute to the late rapper XXXTentacion in June 2018 where she expressed her grief for the artist she regarded as her “father figure.”
Insider reported that a battle ensued between her parents for the future of her career which gave rise to the accusations of “physical and mental abuse” hounding her family.
