Sahara Ray Dies at 34 as Family Mourns Australian Model

Australian model and swimwear designer Sahara Ray has died at age 34, her family confirmed on October 19, 2026, after she was hospitalized in Los Angeles. Known for her past relationship with Justin Bieber and her work in fashion, Ray leaves behind her nine-month-old daughter, Snow. Her family has not disclosed an official cause of death.

According to TMZ, Ray's family announced her death in a statement on Monday, October 19. A source cited by the Daily Mail alleged that Ray overdosed on fentanyl on Friday night and was placed on life support after being taken to a Los Angeles hospital. The source said her family decided to withdraw life support on Sunday. These details have not been independently confirmed, and no official cause of death has been announced.

Ray's family described her final hours in a statement to TMZ.

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

Her mother, Gretchen Bach, remembered Ray as a devoted mother with strong interests in fashion and surfing. Bach also acknowledged the support offered by people who knew her and followed her career.

"Sahara was an incredibly passionate and kind young woman who loved her family, fashion, her daughter Snow, and surfing. We're feeling the love that is pouring in from her cherished friends, fans and the many communities that she was part of around the world." Bach said.

After news of Ray's death emerged, social media users circulated screenshots of Instagram Stories she allegedly posted the previous year. The messages expressed fears for her safety and referred to an experience on a farm in Hawaii.

"Somebody is trying to kill me," Ray wrote in one message.

Another screenshot contained a separate allegation about her circumstances in Hawaii.

"I'm stuck on a farm in Hawaii and they poisoned me." Ray wrote.

The authenticity and circumstances surrounding those posts were not independently established in the reports.

Ray had previously discussed significant health challenges. In 2024, she disclosed that she had developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after being struck by a car in April and subsequently experiencing an infection during her recovery, according to USA Today.

The rare autoimmune disorder can cause weakness, numbness and paralysis when the immune system attacks the nerves. Ray described the severity of her condition in a TikTok video, explaining how it affected her mobility.

"from the tops of my upper thighs all the way down to my feet," Ray said when describing the extent of her paralysis.

She also reflected on the sudden change in her circumstances.

"My whole life changed in an instant," Ray said.

In comments reported by USA Today, Ray explained that the condition had left her struggling with uncertainty about whether her mobility would return.

"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.

She described relying on a wheelchair and being unable to walk during the period when her symptoms were most severe.

"from the tops of my thighs all the way down to my upper feet" was how Ray described the affected area in her account to followers.

Ray also explained the impact on her everyday movement.

"primarily in a wheelchair" Ray said of her circumstances at the time.

She described her inability to move independently.

"walk at all." Ray said.

USA Today reported that Ray appeared to regain the ability to walk in the months that followed. She later became pregnant and welcomed her first child, a daughter named Snow, in January 2026.

Ray shared aspects of her experience as a new mother on social media. In April, she posted a video introducing her daughter, accompanied by Justin Bieber's song "Everything Hallelujah."

Her caption celebrated the baby's arrival.

"Baby snow hallelujah 🤍" Ray wrote.

On Mother's Day, Ray posted a maternity photograph and a video of Snow smiling, expressing her affection for her daughter.

"You are the light and love of my life baby Snow🤍 thank you for existing." Ray wrote.

Her final Instagram post, published in July 2026, featured photographs of Snow and another affectionate message.

"my whole heart." Ray wrote in the caption.

In a separate tribute, model Becky Hearn shared throwback photographs of the two friends on Instagram Stories.

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

Ray was the daughter of Australian surfer Tony Ray and became widely known in 2016 after being photographed with Bieber in Hawaii. She also had links to Australian singer Cody Simpson and American singer Mod Sun. Beyond modeling, she founded the swimwear label Sahara Ray Swim more than a decade ago.

Her death leaves Snow without her mother at nine months old, while the family's statement and tributes from friends and followers have highlighted Ray's relationships, creative work and experience as a parent.