Social media star and ‘king of gay rap’ Rolling Ray dies aged 28 just before his birthday
Rolling Ray’s death was confirmed by his mother. (Instagram/iamrollingray)
Rolling Ray's death was confirmed by his mother. (Instagram/iamrollingray)
Social media star and self-described “king of gay rap” Raymond Harper, best known by his alias Rolling Ray, has reportedly died aged 28.
Rolling Ray’s death was announced in a social media post by his mother Shazola Nay on Wednesday 3 September, who wrote that her son had “gone home to be with the Lord”.
“It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I let you know that my son Ray Ray (@Iamrollingray) has gone home to be with the Lord,” she wrote, The Sun reports.
“I thank everyone who has called or texted. This is going to be a long road. Please pray for us as we push forward to lay him to rest… only God knows.”
The social media sensation died just two days before his 29th birthday on 5 September.
Rolling Ray described himself as “the most famous boy inna wheelchair” on his Instagram, where he had almost half a million followers.
He was one of the executive producers and star of Zeus Network’s 2022 LGBTQ+ reality dating show, Bobby I Love You, Purrr.
The name of the TV series referenced one of Rolling Ray’s earliest viral videos in which he posed in front of a disposable camera and said “Purrr.”
the legend rolling ray popularised so many phrases like purr and it’s giving that millions of people use everyday and he never got credit for it. the greatest to ever do it fly high 😪💔🕊️ pic.twitter.com/guwxFkqkY4
— ☆ (@riverr4i) September 4, 2025
“Purr” became part of popular social media lexicon as a result.
He was also known for his appearances on other reality TV series including Catfish spin-off Catfish: Trolls and Divorce Court, while his social media videos frequently blew up.
The TV star was disabled and used a wheelchair, and last year, he revealed that he was rushed into intensive care where he was diagnosed with pneumonia and a blood infection.
In March, he wrote in a social media post that “life been trying it” in 2025, after the “loss of [his] father” several months prior.
Tributes have flooded in for the viral personality following his death, with his Bobby I Love You, Purrr co-star and former frenemy Bobby Lytes writing on X: “Rest in Peace to the most famous boy in a wheelchair.”
He continued: “We came together and showed the world how two different people from 2 separate paths in life can put hate aside and create magic. You are loved all over the world, and you will be missed dearly. Spread your wings and fly my iconic friend Rolling Ray.”
Damn. I tried to wait this one out, praying it was another rumor. Rest in Peace to the most famous boy in a wheelchair. We came together and showed the world how two different people from 2 separate paths in life can put hate aside and create magic. You are loved all over the…
— BOBBY LYTES (@BobbyLytes) September 4, 2025
Musician MNEK wrote on Instagram: “Omgggggg. RIP icon.”
“Rolling Ray wasn’t just a meme. He was a disability advocate and was on the frontlines protesting against police brutality in the Summer of 2020,” wrote one social media user.
“Hilarious, smart and courageous. Will continue to yell ‘I love the traiiinnnn’ any chance I get. RIP.”
During the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, Rolling Ray was seen attending and speaking with fellow protestors.
A fourth wrote: “He gave the world so much laughter and iconic moments and now he gets to rest.”
Rolling Ray’s cause of death has not yet been made public.
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