Australian model and swimwear designer Sahara Ray has died at the age of 34, her family has confirmed.
Ray, who attracted international attention after being photographed with singer Justin Bieber during a Hawaii vacation in 2016, died at a hospital in the Los Angeles area, according to reports published on Monday, October 19.
In a statement shared with TMZ, her family said she had passed away surrounded by relatives.
“She passed away last night surrounded by family at the hospital. She was so loved,” the statement said.
Further details about her death have not been officially confirmed.
Reports about cause of death remain unconfirmed
The Daily Mail reported that Ray had suffered a suspected fentanyl overdose and was placed on life support after being taken to a Los Angeles hospital on Friday, October 16.
The publication also reported that her family made the decision to withdraw life support on Sunday, October 18.
However, her official cause of death has not been confirmed, and it remains unclear whether the reported overdose was accidental or intentional.
Family pays tribute to Sahara Ray
Ray’s mother, Gretchen Back, remembered her daughter as a passionate and kind person who cherished her family and interests.
In a statement, Back said Ray loved fashion, surfing and her daughter, Snow.
The family has also received messages of support from Ray’s friends, fans and communities around the world.
Who was Sahara Ray?
Ray was an Australian model, fashion designer and social media influencer who developed a substantial online following before launching her swimwear brand, Sahara Ray Swim.
She was the daughter of Australian professional surfer Tony Ray and spent much of her childhood travelling between Australia, California and Hawaii.
Ray made international headlines in 2016 after photographs showed her spending time with Justin Bieber during a vacation in Hawaii. She was also previously linked romantically to Australian singer Cody Simpson.
In 2024, Ray spoke publicly about living with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. She said the condition had left her partially paralysed following a serious car accident.
