How did Lil Tay die? Confusion surrounds 'death' of controversial rapper at 14
UPDATE: Rapper and social media influencer Lil Tay has confirmed she's alive over 24 hours after an Instagram post on her official account claimed both she and her brother Jason Tian had 'unexpectedly' died.
The 14-year-old jas claimed her that her Instagram account was 'hacked.'
"I want to make it clear that my brother and I are safe and alive, but I’m completely heartbroken, and struggling to even find the right words to say," Lil Tay told TMZ today.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: It was earlier reported that rapper and online influencer Lil Tay died at the age of 14 along with her brother Jason Tian. The social media star whose original name was Claire Hope rose to fame at the age of nine in 2018.
But since then confusion surrounded the news after her father and police officials refused to confirm the news.
Now social media users claim that even TMZ has retracted and deleted an article about Lil Tay’s death, however, MEAWW can’t confirm if they reported her death in the first place.
Her father Chris Hope also claimed he did not know any person who could verify if Tay had died. He added, “Um, no, not that that I’m aware of. Sorry, I can’t really comment or give you any help — I’m just going to let you go.”
The Vancouver Police Department’s spokesperson denied being informed of Tay or her brother’s alleged death. They said, “We haven’t gotten any reports of either death here. As of now, we are not aware and are not investigating.”
The controversial teenager posted a series of viral videos where she is often seen flexing expensive vehicles and money as she played the character of a young rich girl. Following Lil Tay's online fame, she gradually stopped being active online and chose to stay private.
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How did Lil Tay allegedly die?
On Wednesday, August 9, Lil Tay's family took to Instagram to announce the news of her "tragic" death and revealed that her brother has also died. "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," read the statement.
However, the circumstances or cause of death have not yet been revealed but an investigation into their sudden death is ongoing. "This outcome was entirely unexpected and has left us all in shock. Her brother’s passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief. During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss, as the circumstances of Clair and her brother’s passing are still under investigation," continued her family's statement.
"Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her," the statement concluded.
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Why was Lil Tay controversial?
In 2018, the 14-year-old rapper became controversial for her viral content posted on several social media platforms, including YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Luxury vehicles, lavish lifestyle, and flashing stacks of dollars were the highlights of her videos as she flexed through her display of extreme wealth.
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Internet users had concerns over Lil Tay who called herself the "youngest flexer of the century" on her being allowed to be on the social media platforms as 13 years is the minimum age required to be on most of these platforms.
The concern later turned into parental abuse controversy. The teenager's bragging on the internet, outrageous comments and online feuds with other social media personalities also paved the way for her being labeled controversial.
The young girl originally from Canada moved along with her father Christopher John Hope, mother, Angela Tianto, and brother Jason Tian to Los Angeles to begin her career as a rapper but later took a career break after she gained popularity.
How did Lil Tay's brother Jason Tian die?
The circumstances surrounding the death of the siblings have not yet been disclosed but an investigation into their sudden death is ongoing. "This outcome was entirely unexpected and has left us all in shock. Her brother’s passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief," continued their family's statement.
Was Tian trying to 'rebrand' Lil Tay?
In 2019, Tian was seen as an important figure in her career. According to an article by The Cut, the online influencer's social media fame was created by her half-brother Tian who was credited as the "genius behind the curtain."
What is Lil Tay's net worth?
Lil Tay was known for her videos where she rapped and showed off cash, expensive cars and luxury houses. According to coed.com, Lil Tay has a net worth of $500,000 as of 2019.