![A photo of Lil Tay speaking with a black hoodie on as she is said to be dead](https://cdn.thetab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/25091836/untitled-design-2023-08-10t085823565-940x480.jpg)
Lil Tay’s father won’t confirm whether or not the internet sensation has died
She rose to fame as the ‘youngest flexer of the century’
It was announced on Wednesdy 9th August that internet sensation Lil Tay had died, but her father and former manager have said they cannot confirm whether or not she is actually dead.
In an Instagram post, the viral star’s death was called “sudden and tragic”. The statement also said her brother, Jason, had also died and their cases were said to be under investigation.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing,” the post read. “This outcome was entirely unexpected and has left us all in shock. Her brother’s passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief.”
“During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss, as the circumstances surrounding Claire and her brother’s passing are still under investigation.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvuphvirkOz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=828f0fb2-5af5-4bb8-ab38-3b5443f35185
It has been well known that Claire’s brother has been in control of her Instagram account, due to her being nine years old when her viral videos began.
Lil Tay rose to fame in 2017 for her onscreen persona, as the “youngest flexer of the century” at just nine years old. In 2018, she disappeared from the internet after a video leaked with a voice behind a camera feeding her lines about what to say.
When reached out to for comment by Insider, Lil Tay’s father Christopher Hope, said he could not comment on the post and declined to answer whether she was still alive.
When asked by The US Sun if his daughter and son had died, he responded: “I’m not going to comment on that right now.”
The publication reported that Christopher Hope was aware of the speculation around his daughter’s death but was unwilling to share more information.
Most Read
“I’m not going to issue any comment,” he said. “I’m not going to answer that at the moment.”
Harry Tsang, Tay’s former manager, told Insider the situation calls for “cautious consideration” and he could not confirm or deny the news at that moment.
“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 told the publication.
“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
“In times like these, it is imperative that we prioritise accuracy and empathy. I encourage everyone to rely on reputable and official sources for information. We must exercise patience while awaiting further developments before drawing any conclusions.”
According to Insider, The Los Angeles Police Department and county medical examiner had no information on an investigation into the death of anyone named Claire Hope.
The Vancouver Police Department also said there were no reports of her death and they were not investigating the case. Lil Tay grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia.
There will be updates as this story develops.
Related stories recommended by this writer:
• ‘I love the way it feels to be a hater’: Meet the creators of the viral Haters Anthem TikTok sound
• All the hints, leaks and clues we know about Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 4 so far
• Omg, you can turn yourself into a Barbie doll with this scarily accurate AI
Featured image credit via ABC.