Teen influencer Lil Tay, reportedly dead at 14

YOUNG rapper and influencer Claire Hope, popularly known as Lil Tay, has died, according to a post on her verified Instagram account.

A statement on the young Canadian internet star’s official account expressed her family’s grief over her passing.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing. We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock,” the statement read.

The post also mentioned that her brother has died as well. 

“Her brother’s passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief,” it stated.

Their deaths are “under investigation,” it said. 

“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. Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her,” it said.

Previous reports have identified Hope’s half-brother as Jason Tian. 

Some reports stated that the internet star’s father, Christopher Hope, has yet to confirm his daughter’s passing. Lil Tay’s former manager, Harry Tsang was also reported as saying that he could not confirm the death. 

No other details regarding the deaths have been released. 

Lil Tay’s Popularity

Lil Tay first gained fame as a nine-year-old social media influencer, and has been proclaimed as the “youngest flexer of the century.” 

The young star was known for her profanity-laced viral videos that portrayed her luxurious hip hop lifestyle. 

She was also affiliated with popular rappers such as Chief Keef and XXXTentacion. She referred to the latter as a “father figure” in her very last Instagram update on June 19, 2018.

She was also  featured in a 2018 short documentary series “Life with Lil Tay”, which was all about her rise to popularity.