Rapper Lil Tay, who first gained recognition in 2018 at the age of 9, has died, her family said on Wednesday on her long-dormant Instagram profile. Tay’s YouTube bio curiously read “Help me,” which many users on social media have found unsettling. Though it does not seem to be recent, it is unclear when Tay’s bio was last updated.

The teen rapper, whose real name was Claire Hope, was 14 years old at the time of her death. Her family said that her older brother had also died, without specifying a cause of death for either sibling. Tay’s brother, Jason also rapped, under the name Rycie.

Also Read: Lil Tay’s last Instagram post mourned XXXTentacion’s death

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing,” the family wrote. “We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. 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,” the post continued. “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.”

Also Read: Who was Lil Tay’s brother, Jason Tian?

It concluded with, “Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her.”

When approached by DailyMail.com, Lil Tay’s father, Christopher Hope, declined to comment.
He and Tay appeared to have a tense relationship. In fact, the social media sensation acknowledged in a tribute to the late rapper XXXTentacion after his death in 2018 that she “did not have” a father figure.

Also Read: Who are Lil Tay’s parents, Angela Tian and Christopher J?

Her brother Jason had previously set up a GoFundMe page to seek $19,000 for Lil Tay after both accused Hope and his wife, Hanee, of physical and mental abuse.