Charlie Watson
The social media personality Rolling Ray, born Raymond Harper, passed away on September 3, 2025, just two days before what would have been his 29th birthday.
Cause of Death & Health Background
According to reports from his family and the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Rolling Ray died from natural causes. For many months before his death, Ray openly shared serious health challenges with his followers: he battled pneumonia, a blood infection, and respiratory complications that necessitated hospitalization and the use of a breathing tube.
Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) as a toddler, Ray began using a wheelchair around age 10. Despite a prognosis early in life that suggested he might not live long, he far exceeded expectations and became a public figure beloved by many.
Career, Highlights & “Bobby I Love You, Purrr”
Ray became widely known through viral appearances on MTV’s Catfish: Trolls and Divorce Court, where his bold personality and sharp commentary helped him stand out online. He coined catchphrases like “purr” (a slang adaptation of “period”) that gained traction across TikTok and Instagram.
One of his most significant ventures was his role as host and executive producer of the Zeus Network reality dating show Bobby I Love You, Purrr, which he produced alongside Bobby Lytes. The show marked his growing influence behind the scenes and gave him space to shape narratives in media.
Zeus Network later released a tribute to Ray, writing:
“Gone way too soon. #RestInPeace to the BIG hearted, most Raw, & Real FRIEND & #Zeus Star #RaymondHarper aka @iamrollingray … From #BobbyILoveYouPurrr to #TheConversation, you were Unapologetically & Authentically your TRUEST Self.”
Tributes & Response
After the news broke, tributes poured in from fans and fellow creators. Cardi B offered a heartfelt message, saying:
“Rolling Ray was a menace lmaoo… but he changed soo much and became so positive. I know that soul made it to heaven… You will truly be missed. BIG PURRRR!!!”
His cousin, known on Facebook as Coolest Kishia, expressed her grief:
“I’m sitting in my room with tears rolling down my cheeks … Ray Ray I love you.”
In Memory & Legacy
Although his health challenges were many and well-documented, Rolling Ray leveraged his experiences to shape a public persona of truth, flair, and unfiltered voice. He turned setbacks into a platform — from coining viral slang, to participating in conversations around disability representation, to producing content that gave more visibility to queer and disabled creators.
In death, Ray’s life continues to resonate. The announcement of his passing—and the eventual confirmation of natural causes—marks the closing chapter of a journey lived loudly and honestly. While his body of work and public identity may not fully explain the depth of his spirit, it offers a window: Ray demanded space, refused silence, and inspired others to do the same.
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