Social Media Influencer Rolling Ray Dies at 28

Washington, D.C., September 4, 2025 - Juan “Raymond” Harper, known to millions as the viral social media star Rolling Ray, passed away at the age of 28, Zeus Network confirmed on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported that Harper’s death was officially recorded on September 3, just two days before his 29th birthday. Harper first rose to fame in 2018 after appearing on MTV’s Catfish: Trolls, and later became a household name through memorable episodes on Divorce Court and the Zeus Network series Bobby I Love You, Purrr - where he popularized the catchphrase “purr”.

Harper lived with spinal muscular atrophy Type 3 and used a motorized wheelchair throughout his public life. He frequently spoke about overcoming doctors’ initial prognosis and shared candid updates on serious health battles, including severe burns from a 2021 fire and hospitalizations for COVID-19 complications and pneumonia in 2022 and 2024.

Following the announcement, tributes poured in from fans, friends, and fellow influencers. The Zeus Network posted on Instagram: “Gone way too soon. Your laughter, light, & loving spirit will live on FOREVER! From your Zeus fam, we love, thank, & will miss you always!”

His mother, Shazola Nay, confirmed the news to TMZ and later shared an emotional post on Facebook expressing her heartbreak and asking for prayers as the family prepares to lay him to rest.

Harper amassed over 445,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 8,000 on TikTok, using his platform to entertain, advocate for disability rights, and engage in social justice movements, including Black Lives Matter protests in Washington, D.C..

The exact cause of death has not been disclosed. Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.