Sahara Ray dies at 34: Who was the Australian model once linked to Justin Bieber?
New Delhi: Sahara Ray, the Australian model and swimwear designer who gained global attention after her link with pop star in 2016, died at the age of 34. Her family confirmed the news to TMZ, saying, “She passed away last night surrounded by family at the hospital. She was so loved.” No cause of death has been officially disclosed.
She gained limelight in 2016 when she was photographed with Justin Bieber on a holiday in Hawaii. She has built her career in fashion modelling and launched her own swimwear label, Sahara Ray Swim.
Who was Sahara Ray?
Sahara Ray was born in Australia and spent parts of her life in California and Hawaii. Her father, professional surfer Tony Ray, her childhood around surfing and her father introduced her early to life around the ocean, an influence that later shaped her interest in beachwear and fashion. She studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles before moving into modelling. Ray later launched her own label, Sahara Ray Swim, and used Instagram to share her designs, modelling work and personal updates with a growing audience.
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About Sahara Ray and Justin Bieber relationship
Sahara Ray attracted international attention in August 2016 after she was photographed with Bieber during his holiday in Hawaii. Images and videos from the trip circulated widely online, prompting questions about the nature of their relationship. A report by Us Weekly reported at the time that Sahara Ray was among the people travelling with Justin Bieber during the getaway. Photographs shared on social media showed the two together, although the exact status of their relationship was not revealed publicly. The attention brought Sahara Ray into the global spotlight, but her modelling work and swimwear business remained central to her public profile.
Health struggle in 2024
In 2024, Sahara Ray revealed that she had been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. She said the diagnosis followed an accident in which she was struck by a vehicle. Ray shared parts of her recovery online, including rehabilitation and physical therapy. At the time, she spoke about hoping to walk again.
Written By Uditi Sharma!