Influencer and internet personality Rolling Ray has died aged 28 just days before his birthday, according to reports.
His death was announced by his mom in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
‘It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I let you know that my son Ray Ray (@Iamrollingray) has gone home to be with the Lord,’ she wrote.
‘I thank everyone who has called or texted. This is going to be a long road.’
Ray, real name was Raymond Harper, described himself as ‘the most famous boy inna wheelchair’ on social media and had amassed a following of 448k followers on Instagram.
He soared to internet stardom with comedy skits before later appearing in TV shows such as MTV’s Catfish Trolls, and the LGBT dating show Bobby I Love You, Purrr.
Ray was born on September 5, 1996, and lived in Washington D.C.
He was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 3.
Influencer and internet personality Rolling Ray has died aged 28
Ray, real name was Raymond Harper, described himself as ‘the most famous boy inna wheelchair’
According to the NHS, SMA is a rare genetic condition that can cause muscle weakness. It gets worse over time, but there are medicines and other treatments to help manage the symptoms.
Ray had documented his health woes on his social media and in May revealed he had been rushed into intensive care after his breathing dropped.
In 2022, the internet star battled Covid and pneumonia.
‘My immune system isn’t strong enough to fight it by myself,’ he said at the time.
A year prior, in 2021, Ray was left with severe burns after his wig caught fire as he attempted to light a cigarette.
In a video, he explained: ‘I light the cigarette, one little time with my nail. Mind you my hair, this part was in the front of me.
‘The mother f****in finger just like lit on fire when I tried to light the cigarette.’
‘My hands burned from trying to snatch the wig off — I try to snatch the wig off, b***h, the fire goes to my shirt to my feet to my leg to bed, its a fire everywhere. A fire in the whole room.’
Ray was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 3, a rare genetic condition that can cause muscle weakness
He appeared in TV shows such as MTV’s Catfish Trolls and the LGBT dating show Bobby I Love You, Purrr
Tributes have been pouring in following the news of Ray’s death.
‘Rest in paradise my dearest friend,’ one said on Instagram. ‘My soul is crushed and I’m finding it hard to look forward in this life without you.’
Another wrote: ‘Heavenly Father, please grant Rolling Ray an eternal rest. He was such a talented amazing man!!! Rest in glory.’
‘I CANT BELIEVE THIS NEWS YOU WERE A LIGHT ON THIS EARTH,’ added a third.
‘YOU MADE US LAUGH WITH YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR. YOU SHALL LIVE ON AS IF YOU NEVER LEFT THIS EARTH. PURRRRRRRRRRR FRIEND SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE.’ [sic]
