The Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle was a student, announced the news with “profound sadness.”
“Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time,” the school stated in a post on Instagram.
The statement also urged the public to respect the family’s privacy and refrain from speculating about the circumstances of the collision.
Warner Bros., the studio behind the Monsterverse franchise, honored the young actress with a tribute post on X featuring a photo of her on set.
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to the crash in Ijamsville at approximately 2:50 a.m. local time.
Authorities said a 19-year-old driver was transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, while a second passenger declined medical attention at the scene.
Hottle broke out in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) alongside Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, and Rebecca Hall. Her reprisal of the role in the 2024 sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire earned her a Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Performer in a Film.
