Rolling Ray’s Cause of Death Revealed a Month Later
A cause of death has finally been revealed for internet personality Rolling Ray, a month after his sudden passing shook social media. According to The Washington Post, the beloved influencer — born Raymond Harper — passed away from natural causes.
A spokesperson for Maryland’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to PEOPLE that they received notice of the 28-year-old content creator’s death on September 3.
Ray’s cousin, known as Coolest Kishia, was one of the first to share the heartbreaking news on Facebook, posting raw emotion and pain in her message.
“I f—— hate it here why cuz 
, why u leave me like this . my favorite . how can I heal from this pain . ray ray I love you,” she wrote.
She later shared another post that read, “I am sitting in my room with tears rolling down my cheeks . I am so heart broken . I don’t have words for this right now u are my favorite cousinnnn why u dogged me like this .”
From Viral Star to Cultural Icon: Rolling Ray’s Rise to Fame
Ray first gained attention in 2018 after appearing on MTV’s Catfish: Trolls, where his personality instantly stole the show. But it wasn’t until his appearance on Divorce Court with Judge Lynn Toler that he truly went viral — serving up one-liners, confidence, and authenticity that lit up the internet.
He became a fixture in online culture, known for coining the slang term “purr,” which quickly spread across Black Twitter and beyond. That one word, said with his trademark flair, became a whole vibe — confidence, attitude, and pride in one sound.
His fans connected to more than just his humor. Rolling Ray represented resilience — someone who laughed through pain and lived out loud, regardless of what life threw his way.
Rolling Ray’s Health Struggles and Public Battles
Behind all the laughs and catchphrases, Ray faced serious health challenges. He was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy when he was just 15 months old, a condition that weakened his muscles over time. By age 10, he began using a wheelchair — something he spoke openly about on his social platforms.
In 2021, tragedy struck when a wig he was wearing caught fire while he was trying to light a cigarette, leaving him with severe burns on his face and body. The accident landed him in the hospital for weeks, followed by multiple surgeries. Still, he came back online — cracking jokes and thanking fans for the love.
The following year, Ray fell ill again and was placed in a medically induced coma. His supporters prayed, posted, and checked in constantly, and when he eventually woke up, it felt like the internet breathed a collective sigh of relief.
By 2024, his health continued to decline. In August, he posted that things had been “taking a turn for the worse” since May, revealing that he had been hospitalized for breathing difficulties, pneumonia, and a blood infection. He said a breathing tube had saved his life — another moment where he reminded his followers just how strong he was.
The Internet Mourns a Legend
When news of Ray’s death broke, social media erupted with grief, disbelief, and celebration of his life. Fans, fellow influencers, and celebrities alike filled timelines with “purrs” and purple hearts — a digital moment of silence for one of the internet’s most unforgettable voices.
He wasn’t just an influencer; he was a cultural moment. A symbol of self-love, shade, and unapologetic confidence.
Even after his passing, Ray’s legacy continues through his videos, his words, and the millions of people who found laughter and inspiration in his strength.
Rolling Ray’s Lasting Legacy
Rolling Ray turned pain into personality and resilience into art. He showed a generation that you can shine no matter what your situation looks like.
He didn’t just trend; he touched lives. From his hospital bed to his viral moments, Ray reminded everyone watching that he was going to be himself — and do it with flair.
It’s why so many fans still feel like they lost a friend. His honesty, his humor, and his “purr” energy will always be a part of internet history.