Reality star and influencer Rolling Ray died on Sept. 3 at age 28. Now, a month later, his cause of death has been released.
Ray, born Raymond Harper, died of natural causes, his family told The Washington Post in an article published on Oct. 4.
The internet personality had health problems most of his life after being diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at 15 months old, the outlet reported.
SMA is a genetic condition that causes increasing muscle weakness. There is no cure for SMA, but therapy and medication can help manage symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Related: ‘Rolling Ray’ Dies: Zeus Network Star and Influencer Was 28
Ray started using a wheelchair when he was about 10 years old, eventually leading him to become known as “Rolling Ray.”
His health struggles worsened in recent years. He suffered serious burns in a 2021 accident that required hospitalization and surgery. Then in 2022, he fell ill and was placed in a medically induced coma.
Ray shared details about his health and his life on social media and gained a large following.
In August 2024, he let his Instagram followers know he had been hospitalized. The post included pictures of Ray resting in a hospital bed with an oxygen mask over his face.
He wrote in the caption, “Took me some time to address this but am mentally prepared now. Around May & June my health was taking a turn for the worst. I was rushed from the ER to the ICU because my breathing was dropping rapidly.”
He said he was diagnosed with pneumonia and a bad blood infection, but after several days his health started to improve.
Ray was from Washington D.C. and branded himself, “The most famous boy in a wheelchair.”
He gained prominence on social media during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in the Washington area.
As his profile rose, he posted videos and commentary on lifestyle, relationships and pop culture.
Casting directors took notice and he appeared on TV shows as MTV’s Catfish: Trolls, Divorce Court, and the Zeus network’s LGBTQ+ dating competition series, Bobby I Love You, Purrr.
Following his death in September, Zeus network posted a tribute on Instagram.
“Gone way too soon. Rest in Peace to the BIG hearted, most Raw, & Real FRIEND & Zeus Star Raymond Harper aka Rolling Ray. Your Laughter, Light, & Loving Spirit will Live on FOREVER!” the post read. “From your Zeus Fam, we Love, Thank, and will Miss you Always!”
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