Millie Bobby Brown pays tribute to late 'Godzilla vs. Kong' co-star Kaylee Hottle

Millie Bobby Brown paid tribute to her former Godzilla vs. Kong co-star Kaylee Hottle following the young actress' death at the age of 18.

Brown shared a black-and-white photo of Hottle holding a King Kong toy on Instagram, writing: "I'm so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee."

Brown joins tributes from co-stars

Hottle died after a car crash in Ijamsville, Maryland, according to her father, Joshua Hottle, who told TMZ she died while being transported to hospital.

Rebecca Hall, who played Dr Ilene Andrews in the Godzilla franchise, also shared photos from the set and wrote that she was "devastated" by the loss, adding that her heart went out to Hottle's family.

Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin, a longtime advocate for Deaf performers, said she was "absolutely gutted," describing Hottle's beauty and talent as something that would be remembered forever.

Young actress starred in two Godzilla films

Hottle, who was deaf, made her feature film debut as Jia in 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong, where her character communicated with Kong using American Sign Language.

She reprised the role in 2024's Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, earning a Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Performer in a Film.

Brown appeared alongside Hottle in Godzilla vs. Kong but did not return for the sequel.

Rising career cut short

Hottle's portrayal of Jia was widely praised for bringing authentic Deaf representation to the blockbuster franchise.

Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans, who remembered the teenager for her warmth, talent and promising career.