Controversial teenage rapper and influencer Lil Tay has died suddenly in the US.
On Wednesday, her family shared a statement on her Instagram revealing the news.
Tay, whose real name was Claire Hope, had not posted on her social channel since 2018.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing," the statement shared to Hope’s 3.3 million followers said.
"We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock."
The statement also said her brother Jason Tian had also died and the cause of death was "still under investigation".
"Her brother's passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief. During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss, as the circumstances surrounding Claire and her brother's passing are still under investigation," the family statement continued.
"Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her."
Lil Tay rose to fame in 2018 when - aged just nine years old - she posted sensationalised videos on Instagram of herself rapping and using many expletives about living a lavish lifestyle.
The Canadian performer had dubbed herself the "youngest flexer of the century".
She came under a great deal of criticism for appropriating hip-hop culture and using the N-word.
