On August 9, 2023, a since-deleted statement appeared on Lil Tay's previously defunct Instagram account alleging that the 14-year-old had died. "It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire's sudden and tragic passing. We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain," the post read, further claiming that her brother, Jason Tian, had also died. 

When People contacted Lil Tay's father, Chris Hope, he simply said, "I don't have any comment." The outlet also confirmed that the LAPD and LA County medical examiner's office didn't have any record of her death. Meanwhile, TMZ deleted its article reporting on the death announcement, and former manager Harry Tsang stated to ET, "Given the complexities of the current circumstances, I am at a point where I cannot definitively confirm or dismiss the legitimacy of the statement issued by the family."

With many fans left confused over the news, some felt it may be a hoax. Thankfully, Lil Tay herself confirmed as much to TMZ the following day. "I want to make it clear that my brother and I are safe and alive, but I'm completely heartbroken, and struggling to even find the right words to say," she said in a family statement. Noting that her Instagram account had been hacked, Lil Tay added, "It's been a very traumatizing 24 hours. All day yesterday, I was bombarded with endless heartbreaking and tearful phone calls from loved ones all while trying to sort out this mess."

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