Model and Sahara Ray Swim founder Sahara Ray has died at 34. According to reports, she overdosed on Friday and was taken off life support at a Los Angeles hospital over the weekend. Ray, who first shot to wider fame in 2016, is survived by her nine-month-old daughter, Snow, who was born in January.
On Wednesday, Ray’s mother, Gretchen Gia Bach, shared her first Instagram tribute, posting a photo of herself wearing her daughter’s jeans and writing that she was“sobbing”while reading the love letters and tributes to her“firstborn daughter.”Bach told the Daily Mail that Sahara was passionate and kind, and loved her family, fashion, Snow, and surfing. Friends and family, including close friend Jessica Serfaty and Ray’s sister Ruby, also spoke out about her warmth and the mental health struggles she’d been facing.
The story lands at the intersection of two conversations that keep showing up in our feeds: the fentanyl crisis and how we support people dealing with mental health challenges. Her family’s honesty in the middle of unfathomable grief is a reminder to check on the people we love. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. What’s one way you show up for friends who are going through it?
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.