Washington, D.C. influencer Rolling Ray has died at age 28. Rolling Ray, real name Raymond Harper, was a reality TV personality and the first openly ghey wheelchair-bound rapper.
He released his first single “SnatchedMyWig” in 2018.
Ray was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) as a baby. He would have turned 29 on Friday, Sept. 5.
He appeared on shows like MTV’s “Catfish: Trolls”, “Divorce Court,” and the LGBTQ+ dating series “Bobby I Love You, Purrr.”
Rolling Ray passed away ? we lost a legend! pic.twitter.com/Z96ES3uxO7
— poppy ? (@imnotpopbase) September 4, 2025
Ray is credited with coining the term “purr”.
Ray’s mother announced his death in a Facebook post on Wednesday. “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,” she wrote. “I thank everyone who has called or texted. This is going to be a long road.”
The Zeus Network confirmed the news early Thursday with a tribute on Instagram. “Gone way too soon,” the network wrote. “Your Laughter, Light, & Loving Spirit will Live on FOREVER!”
