Kaylee Hottle dies at 18: What was the 'Godzilla vs. Kong' actress' net worth?

Kaylee Hottle, the young actress who portrayed Jia in the MonsterVerse films, died aged 18 following a single-vehicle crash in Ijamsville, Maryland.

Her family confirmed her death on Tuesday, while authorities said the vehicle left the road and struck a culvert.

The investigation remains ongoing, with officials indicating that speed may have been a contributing factor.

Her father, Joshua Hottle, shared details of the incident during an American Sign Language (ASL) livestream, explaining that she was taken for emergency medical treatment after the crash.

However, she suffered a medical emergency while being transported and could not be saved.

Although her exact financial details were never publicly disclosed, reports estimate Hottle's wealth at between $100,000 and $300,000.

Her earnings were believed to have come primarily from acting roles, television appearances and promotional work.

Hottle made her film debut as Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), directed by Adam Wingard. The role introduced her to a global audience and established her as one of Hollywood's most recognisable young Deaf actresses.

She later reprised the character in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024).

Born into a multi-generational Deaf family, Hottle grew up using American Sign Language, bringing authenticity to her portrayal of Jia and her bond with Kong.

She also appeared in an episode of Magnum P.I. and featured in campaigns supporting the Deaf community.

Despite a career spanning only a few years, Hottle's performances contributed to greater visibility for Deaf actors in mainstream cinema, leaving a lasting legacy through her work and advocacy for inclusive representation.