Lil Tay, Social Media Star and Rapper, dead at 14

Viral star Lil Tay is dead.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing,” reads a statement shared to Tay’s Instagram account on Wednesday. “We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. 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.”

The statement continued from there, with the spokesperson asking for “privacy” during this time of grief. Both Claire and her brother’s deaths “are still under investigation,” per the post.

Lil Tay was said to be nine years old when she first went viral back in 2017. That year, she also drew attention due to a well-publicized back-and-forth with YouTube personality RiceGum. Later, Tay’s online saga grew to also include Bhad Bhabie and Woah Vicky.

In a Good Morning America interview in 2018, Tay responded to speculation that she was being forced and/or coached to make viral content by family members.

“I run my own Instagram,” Tay, who also referred to herself as “the youngest flexer,” said at the time.

RIP.

SOURCE: COMPLEX