Sahara Ray, the model and swimwear designer, passed away on Sunday, October 18, at age 34, surrounded by family at the hospital. Her cause of death has not been disclosed. Sahara gave birth to her daughter Snow in January, and her family supported her through every step of new motherhood, according to longtime friend Molly Lou, who spoke with Us Weekly.
As the family plans a private memorial in California within the next month, friends are doing something quietly powerful: collecting photos, videos, and written tributes so Snow can grow up knowing the mother she lost. Sahara’s sister Ruby Ray also shared an emotional online tribute, calling her“the most vivacious, intelligent, hilarious, kind, empathetic and breathtakingly beautiful soul.”
Sahara split her life between family in the U.S. and her father, pro surfer Tony Ray, in Australia, and the outpouring from both sides of the world reflects how many lives she touched. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve. What’s the best way to keep a loved one’s memory alive for the next generation? Let us know in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.