Kaylee Hottle, the 18-year-old deaf actress known for portraying Jia in the recent Godzilla films, died after a car crash in the U.S. state of Maryland early Tuesday, authorities said.

According to the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Hottle was one of two passengers in a 1995 Honda Accord driven by a 19-year-old man. Investigators said the vehicle left a two-lane roadway and crashed into a culvert at around 2:52 a.m. local time.

Police said Hottle was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was later declared dead. The driver suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening, while the second passenger declined medical treatment.

Investigators believe excessive speed may have contributed to the crash. The incident remains under investigation.

Hottle gained international recognition for her role as Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) and reprised the character in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024). Her performance earned her a nomination for the 2024 Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor.

Her father, Joshua Hottle, announced her death in an emotional Facebook video delivered in American Sign Language.

The Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle studied, paid tribute to the young actress, calling her passing a "tremendous loss."

"Our hearts are with Kaylee's family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time," the school said in a statement, while urging the public to respect the family's privacy and avoid speculation about the circumstances of the crash.