AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas School for the Deaf is mourning the loss of one of its students after actress Kaylee Hottle, best known for her role in the “Godzilla” film franchise, died in a car crash in Maryland. She was 18.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, the Austin-based Texas School for the Deaf announced that Hottle, one of its seniors, had died in a crash in Frederick, Maryland.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that one of our TSD seniors, Kaylee Hottle, tragically passed away yesterday in a car accident in Frederick, Maryland,” the school wrote.

The school said counseling and support services are being made available for students and staff, with additional support for Hottle’s classmates and close friends.

“Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time,” the post said.

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The school also asked the public to respect the family’s privacy and avoid speculating about the circumstances surrounding the crash.

According to The Associated Press, Hottle died after the vehicle she was riding in left the roadway and struck a culvert in Ijamsville, Maryland, early Tuesday morning. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said excessive speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

The AP reported Hottle was a native user of American Sign Language and came from a deaf family. She rose to international recognition portraying Jia, a deaf orphan who communicates with Kong using sign language, in Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. She also appeared in an episode of Magnum P.I. and had completed work on the upcoming film What Doesn’t Kill Us.

Following news of her death, tributes poured in from fellow actors and members of the deaf community. According to the AP, “Godzilla” co-star Millie Bobby Brown wrote on Instagram, “I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed, Kaylee.” Oscar winners Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur, along with actress Alaqua Cox, also shared messages honoring Hottle.

The Texas School for the Deaf closed its message by asking the community to keep Hottle’s loved ones in their thoughts “as we mourn this tremendous loss together.”