US reality star, Rolling Ray, d!es at 28

US reality star, Rolling Ray, dies at 28

Reality TV star, Raymond Harper, popularly known as Rolling Ray
Reality TV star, Raymond Harper, popularly known as Rolling Ray, has died at the age of 28.

His mother confirmed the news to TMZ, while his home network, Zeus, also announced his passing.

In a tribute on Instagram, Zeus Network described him as “gone way too soon,” praising his impact on their productions, including Bobby I Love You, Purr and The Conversation.

“Gone way too soon. #RestInPeace to the BIG hearted, most Raw, & Real FRIEND & #Zeus Star #RaymondHarper aka @iamrollingray. Your Laughter, Light, & Loving Spirit will Live on FOREVER,” the network wrote.

Rolling Ray first gained attention in 2018 after appearing on MTV’s Catfish: Trolls before going viral in 2019 with his appearance on Divorce Court. He built a strong social media presence, amassing over 449,000 Instagram followers and a growing TikTok audience.

He is also widely credited with popularising the catchphrase “purr,” now used globally as a slang expression of excitement and approval.

Born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 3, a genetic condition that weakens muscles over time, doctors once predicted he would not live past 14. However, Ray defied expectations and went on to live a full life.

Reflecting on his journey in a 2023 interview, he said:

“At first, they said I was going to die at 14 years old. The doctor was wrong. Science changed, and doctors are not always right. God is good.”