Who is Sahara Ray? Justin Bieber's ex-girlfriend dead at 34; what did she do for a living?

Sahara Ray, the Australian model and swimwear designer who made headlines after being linked to pop star Justin Bieber, has died at the age of 34, according to reports published on October 19, 2026. Her family confirmed her death to TMZ, saying she passed away in hospital surrounded by loved ones. The cause of death has not been announced. Sahara Ray first drew widespread attention in 2016, when she was photographed with Bieber during a holiday in Hawaii. However, she also built a career in modelling and fashion, launching her own swimwear label, Sahara Ray Swim.

Who was Sahara Ray?

Born in Australia, Sahara Ray grew up partly in California and spent time in Hawaii because of her father, professional surfer Tony Ray. Her childhood around surfing and the ocean helped shape her interest in beachwear and fashion. According to E! News, Ray studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles before pursuing modelling and creating her own swimwear line. She used social media to share modelling photographs, beachwear designs and glimpses of her life. Her Instagram account attracted a large following, helping her promote her brand and connect with fans.

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How was Sahara Ray once linked to Justin Bieber?

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.

Did Sahara Ray struggle with a health condition?

In 2024, Sahara Ray spoke publicly about being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. The diagnosis followed a serious accident in which she said she had been struck by a vehicle. In an interview reported by Australia's Herald Sun, Sahara described losing mobility in her legs and needing a wheelchair. She also shared videos of her rehabilitation and physical therapy journey with followers.

At the time, she spoke about hoping to regain her ability to walk. Guillain-Barré syndrome can cause weakness and, in some cases, paralysis, although recovery varies from person to person. However, it is worth noting that there is no confirmed information linking Ray's earlier diagnosis to her death. The cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed.

What did her family say about her death?

According to Page Six, Sahara Ray's family confirmed that she died in hospital on the night before the report was published. They said: “She passed away last night surrounded by family at the hospital. She was so loved.”Further details about the circumstances of her death had not been released in the initial reports.