Model Sahara Ray Dies at 34 After Living With Rare Condition

Australian model and entrepreneur Sahara Ray, who was previously romantically linked to Justin Bieber and Cody Simpson, has died at 34. Her family confirmed her death in a statement to TMZ on Monday, October 19, 2026, saying she passed away at a hospital over the weekend. The family did not disclose a cause of death.

Ray was the daughter of Australian surfer Tony Ray and built a career as a model, social media influencer, and swimwear entrepreneur. She launched her own swimwear label, Sahara Ray Swim, more than a decade ago.

In a statement to TMZ, Ray's family described the circumstances surrounding her death and emphasized the support she received from loved ones.

"She passed away last night surrounded by family at the hospital," her family said. "She was so loved."

News of Ray's death prompted tributes from friends on social media. Model Becky Hearn shared several photographs of the pair on her Instagram Stories, remembering their friendship with a message expressing her lasting affection for Ray.

"Will always love you my sweet soul ❤️❤️❤️," Hearn wrote.

Ray had previously spoken publicly about living with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause the immune system to attack the nerves. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include muscle weakness, numbness, and paralysis.

In 2024, Ray told her social media followers that the condition had severely affected her mobility. She described the uncertainty surrounding her recovery while explaining the extent of her paralysis.

"This is really hard to deal with, and I've been trying to keep a good attitude and be hopeful that my feeling comes back, but there's always a chance it just stays like this," Ray said at the time, describing her symptoms and concerns about recovery.

Ray also explained that the paralysis affected much of her lower body and left her dependent on a wheelchair because she could not walk independently.

"from the tops of my thighs all the way down to my upper feet," Ray said, describing the area affected by paralysis, adding that she was "primarily in a wheelchair" because she could not "walk at all."

Ray attributed the onset of her condition to an accident in April 2024, when she was hit by a car, followed by an infection during her recovery. The Mayo Clinic states that the exact cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome remains unknown, although about two-thirds of patients experience symptoms of an infection within the six weeks before the neurological disorder begins.

In the months after disclosing her diagnosis, Ray appeared to regain the ability to walk. She later became a mother, welcoming her first child, a daughter named Snow, in January 2026.

Ray shared aspects of motherhood on social media, including photographs of her daughter. Her final Instagram post appeared in July 2026 and featured a series of images of the child.

"My whole heart 🤍 baby Snow," Ray wrote in the post's caption.