Influencer and reality TV personality Juan ‘Raymond’ Harper, known as Rolling Ray, has died at the age of 28, days before his 29th birthday.
Ray rose to internet fame with comedy skits before later appearing in TV shows such as MTV’s Catfish Trolls, and the LGBT dating show Bobby I Love You, Purrr.
Ray’s death was announced by his mother 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 in the post.
‘I thank everyone who has called or texted. This is going to be a long road.’
Rolling Ray often used the tagline ‘the most famous boy inna wheelchair,’ his trademark sense of humour bringing lightness to everything in his life, even his physical disabilities.
Ray was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 3. According to the NHS, SMA ‘is a rare genetic condition that can cause muscle weakness. It gets worse over time, but there are medicines and other treatments to help manage the symptoms.’
Despite frequent health struggles, Rolling Ray continued to shine as a lively and resilient figure online.
His most frightening ordeal came in 2021, when his wig caught fire, leaving him with severe burns that required hospitalization.
In the years that followed – through 2022 and again in 2024 – he endured further medical challenges, including COVID-19, pneumonia, and a blood infection.
Each time, he returned to posting contents for his fans with the same trademark spirit that defined his celebrity.
He was also known as the original creator of the Gen Z slang term ‘purr,’ which is widely used by young people.
What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?
According to the NHS: ‘Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic condition that can cause muscle weakness. It gets worse over time, but there are medicines and other treatments to help manage the symptoms.
‘The symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) affect everyone differently, but can include:
- muscle weakness – such as floppy or weak arms and legs
- movement problems – such as difficulty sitting up, crawling or walking
- problems with breathing or swallowing
- twitching or shaking muscles (tremors)
- bone and joint problems – such as an unusually curved spine (scoliosis)
‘These symptoms are most often noticed in babies and toddlers, but they can also start in teenagers and adults.
‘SMA does not affect intelligence or cause learning disabilities.’
Fans were quick to share their grief when news of Ray’s passing broke, with X user @buffys writing: ‘An icon 💔 gave us countless reaction videos and was genuinely funny. he will be missed :(‘
@WashProbs wrote: ‘May Rolling Ray, who was a fierce advocate for his hometown, DC, and truly one of the most memeable people on earth, rest in everlasting peace! He gave the world so much laughter and iconic moments and now he gets to rest. 💙🕊️’
@LcdBarbie chimed in: ‘Life is so short and so precious. R.I.P. Rolling Ray, 🙏🏽 28 years old.’
@ambular_93 movingly posted: ‘Rolling Ray wasn’t just a meme. He was a disability advocate and was on the frontlines protesting against police brutality in the Summer of 2020. Hilarious, smart and courageous. Will continue to yell “I love the traiiinnnn” any chance I get. RIP 🤍’
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