YOUNG social media personality Lil Tay first rose to fame in 2018 after posting a series of videos about her eye-popping lifestyle.
On August 9, 2023, an Instagram post was released reporting that the 14-year-old rapper was dead.
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What happened to Lil Tay?
On Wednesday, August 9, 2023, a post on Lil Tay's official Instagram account reported the internet star had died.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire's sudden and tragic passing," the statement read.
"We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock."
The post also confirmed the unexpected death of Lil Tay's brother, who was unnamed, but fans suspected was Jason Tian.
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"During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss, as the circumstances surrounding Claire and her brother's passing are still under investigation," the post continued.
"Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her."
Is Lil Tay dead?
On Thursday, August 10, Lil Tay, whose real name is Tay Tian, confirmed the reports of her death were false.
Speaking to TMZ via a statement from her family, Lil Tay said her Instagram account had been "compromised" by a third party when the death notice was released.
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"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. It’s been a very traumatizing 24 hours.
"All day yesterday, I was bombarded with endless heartbreaking and tearful phone calls from loved ones all while trying to sort out this mess."
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How did Lil Tay become famous?
Lil Tay rose to fame in 2018 at the age of nine.
The Canadian native became an internet sensation after posting videos of herself swearing and sometimes even pretending to do drugs, as per GMA.
After moving to Hollywood, Lil Tay told ABC News' Juju Chang in an interview: “People think it’s funny, I guess, cause I’m 9 years old and I’ve accomplished so much.
“I’m the youngest flexer. I can do anything I like. If they don’t believe me, I don’t care.”
In the same 2018 interview, Lil Tay's mother, Angie, described her as "well-mannered and a great kid, well-behaved."
The late rapper has an impressive 3.2million followers on Instagram, where she used to post pictures and videos of herself for fans to enjoy.
It is unclear why Lil Tay went on a 5-year hiatus from social media prior to breaking her silence on August 10.
