Social Media Star Rolling Ray Dead at 28

Juan "Raymond" Harper -- better known to the world as Rolling Ray -- has died just before celebrating his 29th birthday on September 5.

via: Marca

Multiple posts on social media claim that the news was confirmed by emotional posts from his mother and cousin on Facebook, sparking an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans around the world.

Who is Rolling Ray?

Ray rose to fame after appearing on MTV's Catfish: Trolls in 2018. He later featured in shows like Divorce Court and Bobby I Love U, Purrr. Beyond television, he became a viral sensation for his bold personality, sharp humor, and for popularizing the term "purr," which became a catchphrase among Gen Z.

He was especially admired in the Black, LGBTQ+, and disabled communities, becoming a symbol of visibility and self-expression. With over 441,000 Instagram followers, Rolling Ray wasn't just an online figure-he was an icon of unapologetic authenticity.

Health Battles and Resilience

Despite his charisma and strength, Ray faced several serious health challenges in recent years:

• Fire Accident (2021): He suffered severe burns to his face, arms, and feet after his wig caught fire. He underwent surgery and a long recovery process.

  
  

• COVID-19 and Coma (2022): Ray was hospitalized due to COVID-related complications and was placed in a coma. When he returned to social media, he made a dramatic comeback, posting a video in an elevator with a fresh haircut shaved with the words "NOT DEAD," proudly saying, "It never gave dead."

  
  

• Pneumonia and Blood Infection (2024): In May and June, he was hospitalized again with serious breathing issues, pneumonia, and a blood infection. He was placed in intensive care with dangerously low oxygen levels. In one of his last updates, he admitted he didn't believe he'd live to see Mother's Day. He thanked hospital staff and loved ones for saving his life.

What happened to Rolling Ray?

Rolling Ray's mother, Sazola Nay, allegedly posted on Facebook about the 28-year-old rapper's death:

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.

However, we could not confirm the same as the Facebook account is private.

If true, Rolling Ray was more than a personality-he was a force. His life, marked by medical struggles and constant rumors of death, stood as a powerful statement of resilience and identity. Though he died young, his cultural impact, humor, and voice will continue to live on through the communities he inspired.