Australian model and swimwear entrepreneur Sahara Ray, who was previously linked romantically to pop star Justin Bieber, has died at the age of 34. Her family confirmed her death this week, saying she passed away in a hospital surrounded by loved ones.

According to statements provided by her family to multiple media outlets, the Australian model died on October 18, 2026. The family said, “She passed away last night surrounded by family at the hospital. She was so loved.” At the time of reporting, no official cause of death had been publicly confirmed by her family.

While some reports have cited claims of a suspected fentanyl overdose, those reports remain unconfirmed by authorities and her family. No official medical findings have been publicly released.

Born in Australia, Sahara Ray built a successful career as a model and fashion entrepreneur. She founded her swimwear brand, Sahara Ray Swim, and developed a large social media following through her modeling and lifestyle content.

Sahara Ray was the daughter of professional surfer Tony Ray and spent much of her life between Australia, Hawaii, and California. Her upbringing around surfing and beach culture heavily influenced her fashion career.

Sahara Ray gained international media attention in 2016 after she and Justin Bieber were photographed together during a trip to Hawaii, sparking widespread speculation about a romantic relationship. Neither publicly defined the relationship in detail, but the pair were frequently described in media reports as being romantically linked during that period.

Her death comes just months after she welcomed her daughter, Snow, in January 2026. In what became one of her final social media posts, she shared photos of her daughter and referred to the child as her “whole heart.”

In 2024, Sahara Ray revealed that she had been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. She said the condition left her partially paralyzed and reliant on a wheelchair and walker following a serious car accident.

Her candid discussions about her health struggles drew support from followers as she documented her recovery journey.

Following the announcement of her death, family members and friends shared emotional tributes on social media. Her sister, Ruby Ray, remembered her as a vibrant and compassionate person, describing her as “the most vivacious, intelligent, hilarious, kind, empathetic and breathtakingly beautiful soul.”

Tributes from friends and supporters have continued to appear online as loved ones remember her contributions to fashion, surfing culture, and social media.