Social media erupted with posts claiming that musical artist and influencer Rolling Ray has passed away at the age of 28, just days before what would have been his 29th birthday. The news reportedly came from his mother, Sazola Nay, on her private Facebook account, but it has not been officially confirmed. Despite the uncertainty, fans and fellow creators flooded platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) with messages mourning the loss of someone who became an icon for unapologetic self-expression, especially among Gen Z and the LGBTQ+ community.
Rolling Ray, whose real name is Raymond Harper, was born on September 5, 1996, and rose to fame with his bold personality, sharp commentary, and humor. He was known for performing from his wheelchair and became a prominent figure in both the disabled and LGBTQ+ communities. He first gained widespread attention on MTV’s Catfish: Trolls in 2018 and later appeared on Divorce Court and Zeus Network’s Bobby I Love U, Purrr, where his antics even made judge Lynn Toler laugh. He is also credited with popularizing the catchphrase “purr” among his fans. His Instagram had over 446,000 followers.
The post allegedly from his mother did not reveal how or when he passed, simply urging everyone to pray for the family. It read: “It is with a heavy heart that I let you all know that my son Ray Ray (@Iamrollingray) has gone home to be with the Lord…. 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… Only God Knows.”
Regardless of the truth of the reports, one thing remains clear: Rolling Ray lived his life with positivity, always sharing his smile with the world despite facing multiple health challenges over the years.
