Rolling Ray dead: TV star dies days before 29th birthday as tributes pour in

Influencer Rolling Ray, who appeared on MTV series Catfish Trolls, Divorce Court and LGBTQ+ dating show Bobby I Love You, Purrr, has sadly died at the age of just 28. Real name Raymond Harper, the social media personality described himself as "the most famous boy inna wheelchair". His mum has now sadly confirmed his death on Facebook.

She wrote: "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. I thank everyone who has called or texted. This is going to be a long road.”

It comes just months after Ray was rushed to intensive care when his breathing dropped, and he battled pneumonia and a blood infection.

Tributes have now flooded in for the star, with screenwriter Angel Williams calling him a “real friend” and writing: “You [were] so filled with life. Even when you [were] sick, you smiled, laughed and joked… rest in peace.”

Singer-songwriter Bobby Lytes also reached out, writing: “Damn. I tried to wait this one out, praying it was another rumour. Rest in peace to the most famous boy in a wheelchair. We came together and showed the world how two different people from 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.”

Ray was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 3, a genetic neuromuscular disease that leads to progressive deterioration of muscles, and for which he used a wheelchair.

He said of his health: “At first they said I was going to die at 14 years old, years ago. The doctor was wrong, they told my mom that I was going to die at 14, but you know, science changed and doctors are not always right.”