Social media star Lil Tay dead at 14 , family confirm

Social media star Claire Hope, also known as 'Lil Tay' has passed away at the age of 14.

The news was shared through a statement by her management on her official Instagram account, which read: “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.”

The circumstances of Hope’s passing were not shared, but the statement also revealed that Claire’s brother, Jason Tian, also passed away around a similar time.

It went on to say: “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.

Lil Tay built her large, and at times controversial, career as a social media influencer in 2018 when she was nine years old.

Presented as the “youngest flexer of the century,” Tay would share videos of her enormous wealth and the extravagant items she owned with her millions of followers. One popular example is the time she shared a video of a $200,000 car, claiming it belonged to her despise not being old enough to drive it.

She also regularly associated with celebrities in LA, such as rap stars Chief Keef and XXXTentacion. After a short time, the influencer disappeared from social media, and stopped posting new content.

Shortly after, it was reported the internet star was involved in a custody battle, and serious allegations were thrown about in regard to her parents, upbringing and health. While nothing has been confirmed, several theories, accusations and allegations have run rampant on the internet.

We offer our condolences to Claire Hope’s family in this difficult time.