UPDATE: Lil Tay's family has confirmed she is, in fact, "safe and alive."
After an announcement claimed that the teen and her older brother Jason had both passed away, the rapper's family assured fans that she is okay—and the victim of hacking in a statement provided to TMZ.
"I want to make it clear that my brother and I are safe and alive, but I'm completely heartbroken, and struggling to even find the right words to say," their Aug. 10 statement read. "It's been a very traumatizing 24 hours. All day yesterday, I was bombarded with endless heartbreaking and tearful phone calls from loved ones all while trying to sort out this mess."
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Lil Tay's loved ones are mourning the loss of the internet sensation.
The teen rapper who rose to fame online in 2018, has passed away.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire's sudden and tragic passing," a statement posted to her Instagram Aug. 9 read. "We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock."
The message went on to share that Lil Tay's sibling Jason also died, which adds "an even more unimaginable depth" to their family's grief.
"During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss," the note continued, "as the circumstances surrounding Claire and her brother's passing are still under investigation."
The message concluded with a moving tribute to Lil Tay. "Claire will forever remain in our hearts," it read, "her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her."
Lil Tay's management confirmed her death to Variety. However, both her dad Christopher Hope and her former manager Harry Tsang said they could not confirm or deny her passing when contacted by Insider.
"Given the complexities of the current circumstances, I am at a point where I cannot definitively confirm or dismiss the legitimacy of the statement issued by the family," Tsang said in a statement. "This situation calls for cautious consideration and respect for the sensitivities involved. My commitment remains focused on delivering updates that are both reliable and appropriately timed."
Lil Tay amassed a large following online back in 2018 after posting a series of videos on Instagram and YouTube, including an interview with Jake Paul.
Prior to her death, Lil Tay had been off the social media platforms for the past five years.
Her last Instagram post was dedicated to rapper XXXTentacion after his tragic death in June 2018.
"X you truly changed me," she captioned her tribute, "you were there for me when everyone wanted me to fail, you were there to give me advice, you were there."
"As a father figure, when I don't have one, you were here, FaceTiming me and calling me for hours when I'm down," Lil Tay continued, "3 hours ago you announced the Charity event we were going to throw, we had everything setup, I can't believe this, the evil in the world, This isn't good Bye I Love you Bro."
Editor's Note: This story was first published on Wednesday, Aug 9, 2023 at 10:28 AM PT and was updated to reflect family's statemement on Thursday, Aug 10, 2023, 11:40 AM PT.