- Model, influencer, and swimwear designer Sahara Ray has died at the age of 34 surrounded by her loved ones.
- Her family confirmed the news to TMZ, though an official cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
- Sahara Ray leaves behind an infant daughter named Snow, who was born earlier this year.
Model and Designer Sahara Ray Passes Away at Age 34
Model, social media influencer, and swimwear designer Sahara Ray has passed away at the age of 34. The fashion entrepreneur, who rose to prominence through her creative work and high-profile romantic links with music stars Justin Bieber and Cody Simpson, died surrounded by loved ones, her family confirmed.
In a statement provided to TMZ, her family shared the heartbreaking news: “She passed away last night surrounded by family at the hospital. She was so loved,”
An official cause of death has not been confirmed.
Early Life, Fashion Career, and Motherhood
The daughter of professional surfer Tony Ray, Sahara Ray spent her formative years growing up across Australia, Hawaii, and California. She formally pursued her passion for style by studying at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles. Translating her creative vision and growing digital following of nearly 900,000 Instagram followers into business, she launched her own swimwear label, Sahara Ray Swim.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Ray recently became a mother. In January, she shared a video of her baby bump alongside the caption, “Wish me luck. I get induced today at 8 p.m. So excited, so nervous.”
Following the birth of her daughter, she posted: “Snow Ray 1/27/2026. I can’t believe I made this little Maricle with my body. I’m so proud and so in love.”
Later in April, she posted a video with her child captioned “Baby snow hallelujah,”
featuring Justin Bieber’s 2025 track “Everything Hallelujah.”
Health Battles and Public Spotlight
Before her passing, Ray was candid about facing serious medical challenges. In 2024, she revealed she had developed Guillain-Barré syndrome—a rare neurological disorder—after surviving a car crash. The condition caused partial paralysis in her lower extremities, heavily impacting her mobility.
Addressing her followers via TikTok at the time, she stated: “So basically, right now I’m paralysed from the tops of my upper thighs all the way down to my feet. I can’t walk at all,”
Describing the traumatic aftermath of the crash, she shared: “My whole life changed in an instant,”
adding, “It basically sent my body into shock which sent my body into this crazy sickness.”
Ray first captured widespread international media attention during the summer of 2016 when she was photographed vacationing and skinny dipping with Justin Bieber in Hawaii, having previously been romantically linked to Australian singer Cody Simpson. Bieber was seen holding hands with Sofia Richie shortly thereafter, who later married Elliot Grainge in 2023.
Tributes Pour in from Friends and Fans
Following the announcement of her death, tributes from loved ones and long-time followers began filling social media. Her close friend Becky Hearn shared a series of throwback images, writing: “Sahara, a pure one with a very big heart. My heart is broken for you and your family. Rest in peace.”
Devastated fans also expressed their condolences. One follower commented, “I used to follow you for years after I saw how beautiful you were when you were dating justin. My deepest condolences to her family and her beautiful daughter. Such a tragedy.”
Another user stated, “RIP queen I hope you are at peace.”
while another shared, “You we’re so adored, rest in complete bliss angel.”
Why This Matters
Sahara Ray belonged to an influential cohort of California and Australian surf-culture creators who successfully bridged early social media notoriety into independent e-commerce ventures like Sahara Ray Swim. Her sudden death at 34, combined with her recent public openness regarding the severe impacts of Guillain-Barré syndrome following trauma, has drawn renewed attention to rare neurological conditions while leaving behind an infant daughter and a mourning online community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sahara Ray’s cause of death?
An official cause of death has not yet been confirmed or publicly released by her family or medical authorities.
Who was Sahara Ray?
Sahara Ray was an Australian-American model, influencer, and entrepreneur who founded the label Sahara Ray Swim. She was also widely known as the daughter of surfer Tony Ray and made global headlines in 2016 for her past connections to Justin Bieber and Cody Simpson.
Did Sahara Ray have children?
Yes. Sahara Ray gave birth to a daughter named Snow in January.
