LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rapper and online influencer Lil Tay has died at the age of 14, according to The Sun. The social media star whose original name was Claire Hope rose to fame at the age of nine in 2018.
The controversial teenager posted a series of viral videos where she is often seen flexing expensive vehicles and money as she played the character of a young rich girl. Following Lil Tay's online fame, she gradually stopped being active online and chose to stay private.
How did Lil Tay die?
On Wednesday, August 9, Lil Tay's family took to Instagram to announce the news of her "tragic" death and revealed that her brother has also died. "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," read the statement.
However, the circumstances or cause of death have not yet been revealed but an investigation into their sudden death is ongoing. "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. During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss, as the circumstances of Clair and her brother’s passing are still under investigation," continued her family's statement.
"Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her," the statement concluded.
Why was Lil Tay controversial?
In 2018, the 14-year-old rapper became controversial for her viral content posted on several social media platforms, including YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Luxury vehicles, lavish lifestyle, and flashing stacks of dollars were the highlights of her videos as she flexed through her display of extreme wealth.
Internet users had concerns over Lil Tay who called herself the "youngest flexer of the century" on her being allowed to be on the social media platforms as 13 years is the minimum age required to be on most of these platforms.
The concern later turned into parental abuse controversy. The teenager's bragging on the internet, outrageous comments and online feuds with other social media personalities also paved the way for her being labeled controversial.
The young girl originally from Canada moved along with her father Christopher John Hope, mother, Angela Tianto, and brother Jason Tian to Los Angeles to begin her career as a rapper but later took a career break after she gained popularity.
How did Lil Tay's brother Jason Tian die?
The circumstances surrounding the death of the siblings have not yet been disclosed but an investigation into their sudden death is ongoing. "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," continued their family's statement.
Was Tian trying to 'rebrand' Lil Tay?
In 2019, Tian was seen as an important figure in her career. According to an article by The Cut, the online influencer's social media fame was created by her half-brother Tian who was credited as the "genius behind the curtain."
What is Lil Tay's net worth?
Lil Tay was known for her videos where she rapped and showed off cash, expensive cars and luxury houses. According to coed.com, Lil Tay has a net worth of $500,000 as of 2019.
