TRAGIC PASSING Lil Tay dead: Teen rap star Claire Hope and her brother’s death mourned by family, says post on her Instagram account

CONTROVERSIAL social media rapper Lil Tay and her brother have died, according to a post shared on her Instagram on Wednesday.

The viral teenager's death was described as a "sudden passing" as the post asked for privacy to grieve the losses

When reached by phone on Wednesday evening, Tay's father, Christopher Hope, refused to provide any clarity on the situation.

The U.S. Sun asked Hope whether or not his daughter and son had died, to which he casually responded: "I'm not going to comment on that right now."

Hope said he was aware of the mounting speculation about Tay's death but said he was unwilling to share any further information.

He also refused to confirm whether Tay was living with him at the time of her supposed death, whether police had been notified about the situation, and whether or not he had full custody of Tay.

"I'm not going to issue any comment," he said. "I'm not going to answer that at the moment."

It remains unclear who posted the unattributed Instagram statement.

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire's sudden and tragic passing," the post read.

"We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain..

"This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock.

"Her brother's passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief.

"Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her," the statement ended.

Details surrounding the pair's death remain unknown. The statement added that both deaths are under investigation.

The name of Lil Tay's brother has yet to be released.

Lil Tay's stepbrother is Jason Tian, however, it's unclear if he's the sibling that died.

Social media star Woah Vicky paid tribute to her friend in an Instagram post, sharing two snaps of the two together with the caption: "RIP Lil Tay."

'CONCERNING SIGNS'

Two former managers of the teenage social media star questioned the legitimacy of the post, revealing to The U.S. Sun that they're working to verify the statement.

One of Lil Tay's former managers, who asked to remain anonymous, exclusively told The U.S. Sun they were shocked and concerned to learn of the "talented" girl's apparent passing.

However, certain details in the statement appeared suspicious to them, the ex-manager said.

"One thing I would question is who posted that statement and why isn't it signed by anyone from the family," said the anonymous insider, who hasn't been in contact with Lil Tay for a few years.

"Why is it not signed, 'This is Tay's mom', or 'This is the dad of Lil Tay', or from an official representative? Why is there no attachment?

"To me, that is a very telltale sign. It doesn't make sense. Even when you have passings, there's a group of people that come together to make the statement, usually the family, and we don't see that here.

"I send my condolences and I'm shocked by the news. But I'm curious as to who the statement has been released by and [why it hasn't been signed by anyone.]

"I should be grieving right now [...] but I just have so many questions."

Harry Tsang, another former rep for Lil Tay, told The U.S. Sun he has been unable to confirm the legitimacy of the statement.

"I have been in communication with individuals who have an intimate understanding of the family's situation," Tsang wrote in an emailed statement.

"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.

"This situation calls for cautious consideration and respect for the sensitivities involved. My commitment remains focused on delivering updates that are both reliable and appropriately timed.

"In times like these, it is imperative that we prioritize accuracy and empathy.

"I encourage everyone to rely on reputable and official sources for information. We must exercise patience while awaiting further developments before drawing any conclusions."

SCANDALOUS INTERNET FIGURE

Lil Tay, born Claire Hope Eileen Qi, rose to prominence on social media in 2017 when she was reportedly nine years old, appearing in videos boasting about her wealth and frequently using profanities.

The Canadian pre-teen headlined scripted fights and videos of her throwing large stacks of money on the ground while hopping in and out of exotic sports cars.

She continued her scandalous presence by filming videos of herself puffing on hookah, regularly dropping the N-word, and sparking feuds with other internet celebrities.

During an interview with Good Morning America in 2018, Lil Tay responded to the speculation that she was being forced or coached to make the viral content by family members.

"I run my own Instagram," Lil Tay, who referred to herself as "the youngest flexer," responded to the claims at the time.

Despite her online glory, Lil Tay disappeared from social media in 2018, last posting on Instagram in June of that year a tribute to rapper XXXTentacion following his death.

Lil Tay wrote: "X you truly changed me. You were there for me when everyone wanted me to fail, you were there to give me advice, you were there.

"As a father figure, when I don't have one, you were here, FaceTiming me and calling me for hours when I'm down.

"I can't believe this, the evil in the world, This isn't good Bye. I love you Bro."

'DANGEROUS TO HER HEALTH'

In 2021, after years of being inactive on social media, Lil Tay's family was at the center of abuse allegations against the young internet star.

The teen's parents, Christopher Hope and Angela Tian, were accused of destroying their daughter's life for financial gain.

Lil Tay's stepbrother, Jason, also faced scrutiny after allegations arose that he forced her to make content and coached her on how to stir controversy to garner more views.

Meanwhile, her father, a lawyer in Vancouver, faced accusations of physically and mentally abusing the teen.

Christopher denied the claims in an interview with Hollywood Life in 2018, saying: "My daughter is hurting and she is angry. I regret that I was unable to stop all the negative things from happening to her.

"I am heartbroken about what has happened, not only to her, but also to my other family members, due to past events and now, due to the lies and harassment that were posted on Instagram.

"I don’t know if the Instagram was hacked or not; all I know is that the person or people controlling the Instagram did things that are crimes in Canada and in California, and we will see what happens with that.”

Christopher told the outlet that he disagreed with most of his daughter's social media antics.

"When my daughter’s social media began to go viral this year, I disagreed with most of the social media activity," he told the outlet.

"I took legal steps to stop things which I felt were dangerous to her physical and mental health and to her future.

"I do not think a 10-year-old girl should be put in those situations and made to drop out of school so that she can make money for other people.

"I hope my daughter is able to follow a path that will make her happy, keep her safe, and allow her to grow up into the amazing person I know she is," he added.