UPDATE — 10/8/25, 12:12 p.m. ET: His family shared with The Washington Post that Rolling Ray died from natural causes.
Original story:
Social media star Rolling Ray has died at age 28, his mother confirmed to TMZ on Thursday, September 4.
It remains clear how Ray died, reports the outlet. The popular influencer was due to turn 29 on Friday, September 5.
News of Ray’s death first circulated on Wednesday, September 3, after a Facebook post credited to his mother, Shazola Nay, gained attention on social media.
“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,” Nay allegedly wrote in a private update that leaked online. “I thank everyone who has called or texted, this is going to be a long road… Please pray for us as we push forward to lay him to rest.”
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She remarked, “Only God knows,” and added five broken heart emojis.
Ray (born Juan “Raymond” Harper), who used a wheelchair, found fame on the internet through his candid, humorous personality, which he showed off via TikTok and Instagram. Ray appeared on MTV’s Catfish: Trolls and Divorce Court as well as Zeus Network’s Bobby I Love You, Purrr, a queer dating show.
As word of his death spread across social media, Ray’s devoted fan base mourned.
“WHAT??? NOOOO NOOOO NOOOOO,” one fan reacted via X on Wednesday. “Ugh this just ruined my week man…Rest in paradise to a living icon, a comedic legend, and a king, Rolling Ray. You made the world laugh so many times in so many different ways and your light will not be snuffed out, just shined a different way.”
Another X user wrote, “Life is so short and so precious. R.I.P. Rolling Ray.”
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And on Instagram, reactions poured in from Ray’s friends, who expressed shock and sadness.
Jameson Strachan, who had appeared with Ray on Bobby I Love You, Purrr, shared his heartbreak via Instagram.
“The thought of your smile has gone forever. 🥺 and hands we cannot touch,” Stachan wrote in a caption alongside videos of Ray on the show. “Still we have those treasured memories of the ones we love so much. Each time we will see his picture he will seem to smile and say. “ Don’t worry I’m only sleeping we’ll meet again someday!” Weeping 😭 may endure 😓 for a night but joys comes in the morning. R.I.P 😭😭😭 @iamrollingray 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️you have definitely left impact on our community iconic‼️‼️PURRR.”
Meanwhile, Zeus Network shared a statement via Instagram, writing, “Sending our Deepest Sympathies & Condolences to the Family & Fans of Raymond Harper, affectionately known as Rolling Ray on Bobby I Love You Purrr! Your Memory will forever live with us here at Zeus! May you Rest in Eternal Peace.”
