Australian model and swimwear designer Sahara Ray has died at the age of 34. Her family confirmed that she passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at a hospital surrounded by loved ones.
“She was so loved,” her family told TMZ while confirming the news. Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. TMZ reported on her death.
Ray built a career in modeling and fashion, becoming known for her work as a swimwear designer and her own brand, Sahara Ray Swim. She also gained a large following on social media, where she shared parts of her personal life and work with fans.
Born in Torquay, Australia, Ray was the daughter of well-known Australian big-wave surfer Tony Ray. She spent much of her childhood between Australia, California and Hawaii before pursuing fashion and modeling in the United States.
She came to wider international attention in 2016 after being photographed with pop star Justin Bieber during a trip to Hawaii. She was also linked to Australian singer Cody Simpson and musician Mod Sun. However, her career extended beyond her relationships, with her swimwear business becoming an important part of her public identity.
In 2024, Ray shared details of a serious health struggle after being involved in a car accident. She later revealed that she had been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition that affects the nerves and can cause muscle weakness or paralysis. At the time, she said the condition had left her unable to walk and relying on a wheelchair and walker as she worked through recovery.
The cause of Ray’s death has not been confirmed, and there is no public confirmation that her previous illness was connected to her passing.
Ray had also recently become a mother. She welcomed her daughter, Snow, in January 2026. Her final Instagram post, shared in July, featured photos of her daughter with the caption, “My whole heart 🤍 baby Snow.” The post has since become a place where fans are sharing messages of sadness and remembering her.
Ray’s death has left fans mourning a model and entrepreneur whose life included work in fashion, a public social media presence and her journey into motherhood. She was 34.
