Rolling Ray, born Raymond Harper and lovingly known as “the most famous boy inna wheelchair,” just rolled out of our world at the age of 28, just a day before his birthday on September 5. The news sparked waves of grief and tribute across social spaces when his mother, Sazola Nay, confirmed the heartbreaking announcement on Facebook.

Ray was famous for more than his jokes and lip gloss shade. Rising to fame on MTV’s Catfish: Trolls, he brought unapologetic charisma to every screen he touched. He popped up on Divorce Court and co-executive produced the queer dating series Bobby I Love U, Purrr, steering Black empowerment with humor and unapologetic flair.

His catchphrase “purr” became an essential snippet of Gen Z vocabulary, and his social media mix of truth, sass, and vulnerability turned him into a beacon for Black, LGBTQ+, and disabled communities. He survived a fire accident in 2021, a hospital battle with COVID and pneumonia, and a raging blood infection in 2024. Each time he bounced back declaring, “It never gave dead.” His resilience was legendary.

The tributes poured in instantly. Fans praised his humor and his razor-sharp authenticity. Emmy-nominated writer George M. Johnson Garçon wrote on X, “RIP Rolling Ray. Truly redefined the definition of Purrrrrr.” The internet mourned loud tweets captured the heartbreak in real time, reminding us that his electric presence will echo long after his content stops playing.

Rolling Ray lived large on screen and in our hearts. He turned personal challenges into empowerment. He built community with bold colors and bold truths. Though he has gone home, that legacy still rolls.