DMV Icon Rolling Ray Dead at 28, Family Confirms
Rolling Ray, the 28-year-old internet icon and rap artist, has passed away, according to a post by his mother. His death comes one day before his 29th birthday. He left a lasting mark on DMV and internet culture and was endeared to the black LGBTQ+ and disability communities.
“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…” his mom, Shazola Nay, wrote in a heartfelt post to Facebook. “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.”
It isn’t known what caused the 28-year-old’s death, as no further information has been made public. Rolling Ray, whose real name is Juan Raymond Harper, lived with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 3 and used a wheelchair. Ray revealed that his doctors initially told his mother that he wouldn’t live past the age of 14. He faced numerous health challenges in the past, including a severe burn injury in 2021 and battles with COVID-19, pneumonia, and a blood infection in subsequent years.
Rolling Ray rose to fame and endearment from iconic TV appearances on MTV’s Catfish: Trolls in 2018 and Fox’s Divorce Court in 2019. He was a viral social media personality and coiner of popular catchphrases like “purrr”, “big purrr”, and “it didn’t give what it was supposed to gave.” He was the executive producer of Zeus Network’s Bobby I Love You, Purrr. As a rapper in the DMV scene, he was best known for his singles “Awe Bye”, “Big Purrr”, and “CuntOfTheWeek”.
Ray is remembered as an upstanding member of the DMV community. He was vocal about improving disability infrastructure and enhancing accessible transportation in the DMV. He was also on the frontlines of D.C. protests, facing law enforcement and supporting mutual aid efforts during the 2020 summer uprising against police brutality.
Fans, friends, and fellow influencers have begun sharing condolences and remembrances of his legacy.
Our thoughts are with his family during this tough time.