Model Sahara Ray — who once dated Justin Bieber — dead at 34 just months after welcoming first child

Australian model Sahara Rae, who was once romantically linked to Justin Bieber, has died at 34, just months after welcoming her first child. Rae's family confirmed her death to TMZ on October 19th, saying she passed away last night, surrounded by family at the hospital. They added, she was so loved. Her cause of death has not been publicly revealed. The swimwear designer and internet personality welcomed her daughter, Snow, in January. In an Instagram post at the time, Rae shared that she was being induced, writing, Wish me luck. I get induced today at 8pm. So excited. So nervous. She introduced her baby girl to followers in April with a sweet video of the two cuddling together, captioned, Baby Snow, Hallelujah, set to Bieber's 2025 song, Everything Hallelujah. And what would become her final Instagram post, shared July 19th, Rae posted a carousel of photos showing Snow smiling and playing. She captioned the pictures, My whole heart, baby snow. Ray's death comes after she publicly revealed a serious health battle in 2024. After being struck by a drunk driver in April of that year, she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves. The condition left her temporarily paralyzed from her upper thighs down, unable to walk and briefly dependent on a wheelchair and walker. Rae documented her physical therapy and rehabilitation journey on social media. According to the Mayo Clinic, Guillain-Barre syndrome can cause weakness, numbness, and paralysis. It has not been confirmed whether the condition was related to Rae's death. Friends and fans have since mourned the model, including her friend Becky Hearn, who shared throwback photos on Instagram and remembered Rae as a pure one with a very big heart. Rae was also known for her high-profile relationships. She made headlines in 2016 when she was spotted vacationing in Hawaii with Justin Bieber, with the pair photographed skinny dipping together. She was later linked to musician Mod Sun in 2023. The former couple attended a Los Angeles fashion show together that November, which was Ray's last public appearance at a major event. She was also spotted with Mod Sun in June 2024 when he staged a roadside performance for her in Malibu. Rae, the daughter of surfer Tony Rae, leaves behind her baby girl, Snow, who featured prominently in her final social media posts. As tributes continue to pour in, her cause of death remains unknown.