Deaf actor Kaylee Hottle, 18, killed in Maryland car crash

Kaylee Hottle, an 18-year-old deaf actress who appeared in the recent "Godzilla" franchise films, died early Tuesday when the car she was riding in left Ijamsville Road and struck a culvert in Frederick County, Maryland, officials said. The crash, which occurred before 3 a.m., involved two passengers and a driver; the driver, a 19-year-old local resident, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while the second passenger declined treatment. Authorities indicated that excessive speed was likely a factor and the incident remains under investigation.

Hottle, a native signer of American Sign Language, was traveling with the driver when the accident happened. Her father, Joshua Hottle, said her heart stopped before she reached the hospital after being air-lifted from the scene. > "Very grateful for the 18 years we had together — and wish we had more," he said in an interview conducted in ASL.

He also addressed the driver, stating, "I have forgiven you. Don't let this incident ruin the rest of your life." Hottle's mother expressed that she still feels her daughter is with them, also in ASL.

The actress portrayed Jia, an orphaned girl who communicates with Kong using sign language, in "Godzilla vs. Kong" and its sequel "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire." Co-star Millie Bobby Brown posted condolences on social media, and fellow actors, including Alexander Skarsgård, Alaqua Cox, Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur, shared messages of grief.

The Texas School for the Deaf announced Hottle's death and said counseling services would be made available to students and staff.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash, emphasizing that speed may have contributed to the fatal collision.