Rolling Ray, whose real name was Raymond Harper, died on September 3, 2025, at the age of 28. The Washington, D.C.–based rapper and reality television personality was known for his outspoken presence online and appearances on shows such as Catfish: Trolls, Divorce Court, and Bobby I Love U, Purrr. His death came just two days before his 29th birthday.
The first announcement of his passing came from a Facebook post attributed to his mother, Shazola Nay. The post read: “It is with a heavy heart that I let you all know that my son Ray Ray iamrollingray has gone home to be with the Lord…. I thank everyone who has called or texted, this is going to be a long road… Please pray for us as we push forward to lay him to rest… Only God Knows.” While her account is private and the statement cannot be directly verified, the same message has been widely circulated across social media.
Ray’s mother, Shazola Nay, confirmed his death in a social media postIn the sections below, we look at Rolling Ray’s parents, the circumstances surrounding his death, and the health issues he faced in the years leading up to it.
Cause of His Death
As of now, the cause of Rolling Ray’s death has not been revealed. His family has not issued any official statement beyond confirming his passing, and no medical details have been made public. While his history of serious health complications has led to speculation, nothing has been verified. Until further information is released, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unknown.
Who Are Rolling Ray’s Parents
Rolling Ray, born Raymond Harper on September 5, 1996, grew up in the Washington, D.C. area. His mother, Shazola Nay, became publicly identified after a Facebook post attributed to her announced his death. In the message, she confirmed that her son had “gone home to be with the Lord” and asked for prayers as the family prepared for his funeral.
Ray and his mom, Shazola NayInformation about his father has never been made public. The nature of his parents’ relationship is also unavailable, and by the looks of it, his father was absent from his life. Most of what is known about his upbringing centers on his mother’s role, as Ray rarely shared details about his family during his career.
Rolling Ray’s Disability and the Health Struggles He Faced Over the Years
Ray lived with paralysis from an early age and used a wheelchair throughout his life. He spoke openly about his condition and frequently incorporated it into his public persona, whether on social media or during television appearances. It became part of how people recognized him, and he rarely allowed it to keep him out of the spotlight.
In January 2021, he suffered a major setback after what he later described as a freak accident. While trying to light a cigarette, the flame caught his wig and quickly spread. He shared details of the incident from his hospital bed, telling followers that his “whole skin” had been burned, including his legs, arms, and feet. The injuries were serious enough to require surgery, and he remained under medical care for an extended period.
The following year, another health crisis left him fighting for his life. In 2022, Rolling Ray contracted COVID-19 and was placed in a coma while doctors treated him. He spent more than two weeks in the hospital, a period that raised concern among his supporters, but he eventually recovered and returned to social media with updates once he regained strength.
His health issues continued into 2024. That summer, he posted on Instagram about being rushed from the ER to the ICU after his oxygen levels plummeted, falling below 55. He revealed that doctors diagnosed him with pneumonia and a severe blood infection.
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In the post, Ray recalled screaming that he could not breathe and admitted he thought he would not survive to see Mother’s Day. He explained that he woke up a week later with a breathing tube in his throat, something he disliked but acknowledged had saved his life. He also thanked the friends and family who visited him at Howard University Hospital.
Rolling Ray as an Openly Gay Entertainer and His Career in Brief
Ray was openly gay and made no attempt to hide it from the public. His identity was a visible part of his life, and he often used his platform to speak and act without restraint. This openness, paired with his distinctive humor and confidence, made him a recognizable voice for queer visibility in online spaces.
Alongside his presence as a social media personality, Ray built a career that stretched into both television and music. He first appeared on MTV’s Catfish: Trolls in 2018, followed by an appearance on Divorce Court. In 2022, he expanded into a larger role as co-star and executive producer of Zeus Network’s dating show Bobby I Love U, Purrr.
His music career, which began on SoundCloud around 2014, included tracks such as Look At Me, Gun Action, Thank You, Aw Baby, You Want Some, and his viral hit BigPurrrr. These releases, paired with his trademark “purr,” gave him a following that extended well beyond his hometown of Washington, D.C.