Cause of death confirmed for 18-year-old actress Kaylee Hottle

Maryland medical examiners determined that 18-year-old actress Kaylee Hottle, known for her role in "Godzilla vs. Kong," died from multiple blunt-force injuries after a single-vehicle collision early Tuesday morning. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said the 1995 Honda Accord, driven by a 19-year-old resident, left the right side of the two-lane road and struck a culvert, with excessive speed identified as a contributing factor.

Hottle, who was one of three occupants, was taken to a trauma center where she was later pronounced dead. The driver survived with non-life-threatening injuries, while another passenger declined treatment at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have asked anyone with information to come forward.

Hottle, born into a multigenerational deaf family, had appeared in commercials and advocacy projects before landing her film role as Jia, an orphan who communicates with Kong using sign language. Her father, Joshua Hottle, expressed his grief in a video posted on social media and indicated he had contacted the driver, offering forgiveness.

The crash is being treated as an accident, and officials continue to gather evidence to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.