- Australian model and swimwear designer Sahara Ray died on Sunday, October 18, aged 34, with her family confirming the news to TMZ
- Sahara welcomed her first child, a daughter named Snow, in January 2026 and had been sharing glimpses of new motherhood on social media
- Her death came nearly two years after a horrific drunk-driving accident left her partially paralysed and battling a rare autoimmune condition
Australian model and swimwear designer Sahara Ray passed away on Sunday, 18 October 2026, at the age of 34.
Source: Facebook
Her family confirmed the news to TMZ, revealing she died in hospital with loved ones by her side. The cause of her death had not been disclosed at the time of reporting.
Sahara is perhaps best known internationally for her brief romantic link to Canadian pop star Justin Bieber in August 2016, after the pair were photographed together on a holiday in Hawaii.
The images, which included photos of the two in the water, made global headlines and cemented her name in entertainment coverage for years. She was also previously linked to Australian singer Cody Simpson and musician Mod Sun.
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What we know about Sahara's final months
Beyond her celebrity connections, Sahara had built a life of her own. Born in Australia to legendary big-wave surfer Tony Ray, she spent her years between Australia, California and Hawaii, carving out a career in modelling before launching her swimwear label, Sahara Ray Swim, in 2014.
Just nine months before her death, she welcomed her first child, a daughter named Snow, in January 2026. She documented the joys of new motherhood on social media with warmth and openness.
Her final Instagram post, shared in July 2026, was a tribute to her baby girl, describing Snow as her "whole heart."
Sahara's final years were marked by a serious health crisis. In 2024, she revealed that she had been struck by a drunk driver travelling at roughly 80 mph (129 km/h).
The collision sent her body into shock and triggered Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves.
The illness left her paralysed from her upper thighs down to her feet, forcing her to rely on a wheelchair and walker. Through dedicated rehabilitation, she reportedly regained mobility and strength in the months leading up to her pregnancy.
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Tributes pour in for Sahara
Fans and followers mourned her passing online, with many reflecting on the fragility of life.
Amy Jane Blythe wrote:
"Regardless of who she is - she is younger than me by nearly 10 years.. I find this heartbreaking 💔 I also feel I should be thankful for still being here no matter how hard things get... life isn't a given; from the age of 26 I've learnt that - watched people pass that I thought would live forever! .. rip lovely - I am sure your near ones will keep everything in order until you meet again."
Deborah Hart added:
"To everyone that has lost someone, peace be with you. This society makes a deal when they think someone might have been famous. We all are loved by someone so I wish everyone peace and healing."
Isher Ventour simply wrote:
"May her soul rest in eternal peace 🙏," while Pamela Kay Noble Brown offered: "My prayers and condolences to her family."
What happened to the Cevallos twins?
TUKO.co.ke also highlighted facts about Ecuadorian conjoined twin influencers José Luis and José Armando Cevallos, who died at 27 after building a community of more than 60,000 followers.
Just three days before their deaths, the brothers shared a video of themselves laughing and enjoying everyday moments.
Source: TUKO.co.ke