Australian model and swimwear designer Sahara Ray has died at the age of 34, her family confirmed, just months after she welcomed her first child, a daughter named Snow. Ray passed away in a hospital surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement shared with TMZ.
Ray, who rose to prominence through her modeling career and Sahara Ray Swim brand, had long been a public figure—partly due to her rumored relationships with Justin Bieber and Cody Simpson.
A New Mother Gone Too Soon
Ray gave birth to her daughter Snow in January 2026 and frequently shared heartfelt posts about her baby on social media. Her final Instagram post in July featured photos of Snow with the caption, “My whole heart.”
Health Struggles in Recent Years
Although an official cause of death has not been released, Ray had been open about her serious health challenges. In 2024, she revealed she had developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the nerves and can cause paralysis. She described being unable to walk and relying on a wheelchair after being hit by a drunk driver, which she said sent her body “into shock.”
Medical experts explain that Guillain-Barré syndrome damages the myelin sheath that insulates nerves, slowing or blocking nerve signals and causing muscle weakness or paralysis.
Tributes From Family and Friends
Ray’s mother, Gretchen Bach, remembered her as a passionate and loving young woman devoted to her family, fashion, surfing, and her daughter Snow.
Her younger sister Ruby shared a heartbreaking tribute, calling Sahara “the most vivacious, intelligent, hilarious, kind, empathetic and breathtakingly beautiful soul” and describing her death as leaving the world “impossibly dimmer.”
Friends and fans across the world have also posted tributes, remembering Ray’s warmth, creativity, and vibrant spirit.
A Life Remembered
Born in Australia and raised between California and Hawaii, Ray built a global following through modeling, entrepreneurship, and her bold social media presence. Her sudden passing has left family, friends, and fans grieving a life cut short—just as she had stepped into motherhood.