Sahara Ray had recently begun a new chapter of her life as a mother when her family confirmed the devastating news that the model and swimwear entrepreneur had died at the age of 34.
The Australian-born star, who gained international attention through her modeling career and reported relationship with Justin Bieber, passed away in hospital on Sunday, October 18.
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"She passed away last night surrounded by family at the hospital. She was so loved," her relatives told TMZ on Monday.
Ray leaves behind her daughter, Snow, who was born in January 2026. Her final Instagram post featured photographs of the baby, accompanied by an affectionate message celebrating their bond.
The circumstances surrounding her death haven't been disclosed, leaving questions about what happened to the model following a period marked by significant health challenges.
What happened to Sahara Ray?
Ray's family hasn't announced an official cause of death, and no details have emerged explaining why she was hospitalized.
The news has drawn renewed attention to the serious medical difficulties she revealed in May 2024, when she disclosed a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
The neurological condition occurs when the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, potentially causing weakness, numbness and paralysis.
Ray said her symptoms developed after a traffic collision involving an allegedly intoxicated driver in April 2024, although the relationship between the accident and her diagnosis was based on her own account.
"My whole life changed in an instant," she wrote while documenting her health struggles.
The model described becoming seriously ill before experiencing progressive numbness in her legs, eventually requiring a wheelchair and walking aids.
"This has been really hard to deal with and I've been trying keep a good attitude and be hopeful that my feeling comes back," she told followers.
Ray subsequently appeared to make considerable progress in her recovery. There is no confirmed evidence that Guillain-Barré syndrome contributed to her death.
Sahara Ray celebrated becoming a mother
Despite her previous health difficulties, 2026 brought Ray an important personal milestone when she welcomed her first child.
The model announced Snow's birth on Instagram, revealing that her daughter had arrived on January 27.
"Snow Ray 1/27/2026," she wrote alongside photographs of the newborn.
"I can't believe I made this little Maricle (sic) with my body. I'm so proud and so in love."
Ray continued sharing moments from motherhood with her followers, including an emotional video of herself holding Snow.
Her final Instagram upload featured her daughter with the caption: "My whole heart."
Ray did not publicly identify Snow's father.
How did Sahara Ray know Justin Bieber?
Born in Torquay, Australia, Ray was the daughter of professional big-wave surfer Tony Ray and spent much of her childhood traveling with him.
She eventually moved to Los Angeles to study fashion before establishing herself as a model and launching her swimwear label, Sahara Ray Swim.
Her profile increased considerably in August 2016 when she was photographed vacationing with Bieber in Hawaii, prompting widespread speculation about their relationship.
She was also previously linked to singer Cody Simpson and Australian model Jordan Barrett.
Beyond her celebrity connections, Ray developed a substantial social media following and pursued an independent career in fashion.
Her death leaves behind her young daughter and a family who described her as deeply loved.