20 October,2026 06:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sahara Ray. Pic via Instagram
Australian model and designer Sahara Ray, who made headlines after being photographed with Justin Bieber in Hawaii in 2016, has reportedly died at the age of 34. The news comes months after Ray welcomed her first child, a daughter named Snow, in January 2026.
According to The Mirror, Ray was rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles on Friday, October 16, following a reported fentanyl overdose. She was placed on life support, and a source told the publication that her family decided to withdraw it on Sunday, October 18. The circumstances surrounding the overdose remain unclear, and her cause of death has not been officially confirmed by her family.
Ray's mother, Gretchen Bach, paid tribute to her daughter in a statement to the Daily Mail, remembering her love for family, fashion, surfing and her little girl. "Sahara was incredibly passionate and kind young woman who loved her family, fashion, her daughter Snow, and surfing," Bach said, adding that the family was grateful for the support pouring in from friends, fans and communities around the world.
Ray's younger sister, Ruby, also shared an emotional tribute on Instagram on Tuesday, October 20, posting childhood pictures of the two. Remembering her as a vibrant and compassionate person, Ruby wrote, "My beautiful big sister, Sahara. The most vivacious, intelligent, hilarious, kind, empathetic and breathtakingly beautiful soul."
Ray became widely known in 2016 after she was photographed with Justin Bieber during his trip to Hawaii. Pictures of the pair spending time together in the sea, including reports that they went skinny-dipping, made headlines and fuelled speculation about their relationship.
At the time, the photographs sparked widespread interest in Ray, who was already working as a model and designer. However, neither Bieber nor Ray publicly confirmed that they were dating.
The Canadian singer was among the biggest pop stars in the world at the time, and his reported association with Ray brought her considerable media attention. Despite the speculation surrounding their Hawaii outing, details about the nature of their relationship remained unconfirmed.
Ray, the daughter of professional surfer Tony Ray and Gretchen Bach, went on to build her career as a model, designer and social media personality. In 2014, she launched her swimwear label, Sahara Ray Swim, combining her interest in fashion with her entrepreneurial ambitions.
