Social media influencer, Rolling Ray, whose real name was Raymond Harper, died from natural causes at the young age of 28. His family and the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner have confirmed. The report of his death was received on September 3, 2025.

Ray lived with spinal muscular atrophy and was diagnosed when he was only 15 months old. As his condition progressed, he began using a wheelchair around age 10. Over the years, Ray faced multiple health challenges. In 2021, he suffered severe burns after his wig caught fire. In 2022, he was put into a medically induced coma. And by 2024, Ray shared that his health had declined, and he was hospitalized with breathing problems, pneumonia, a blood infection, and required a breathing tube during his treatment, which he shared ultimately saved his life at the time.

Even with his health issues, Ray remained a controversial, but loved online personality. He first caught the world’s attention in 2018 during an episode of MTV’s “Catfish: Trolls.” He later went viral on “Divorce Court.” His catchphrase, “purrr,” has been added to the pop culture lexicon as he rose to viral fame. 

After the news of his untimely death, social media erupted in condolences. Zeus Network — which had featured Ray on shows — posted, “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!”

Cardi B also shared on X, “Rolling Ray was a menace lmaoo... but he changed soo much and became so positive … You will truly be missed BIG PURRRR!!!”

Ray represented resilience. Even in declining health and physical adversity, he lived his life boldly and unapologetically. Rest well, Rolling Ray.