Kaylee Hottle, an 18-year-old deaf actress, died in a car accident on Tuesday, with her father confirming the news through a Facebook video posted in American Sign Language. Hottle began her film career at age nine in 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong, where she played a deaf indigenous girl rescued by Kong. Her role expanded significantly in 2024's Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, where her character's relationship with anthropologist Dr. Ilene Andrews became central to the plot.

Following news of her death, colleagues from the Godzilla franchise and the production studio Legendary Pictures shared public tributes on social media. Actress Rebecca Hall, co-star Millie Bobby Brown, and others emphasised Hottle's talent and positive influence on those she worked with. Legendary Pictures released a statement describing her as a cherished member of their film family whose portrayal of the character brought heart and humanity to the Monsterverse films.