Bidding a poignant farewell, admirers mourn the loss of an internet sensation. The tragic passing of social media personality Rolling Ray, whose real name was Raymond Harper, was confirmed by his mother to TMZ. He was just 28 years old.
Zeus Network, the home to numerous series featuring Harper, including "Bobby I Love You," "Purr," and "The Conversation," also acknowledged his demise. In an Instagram post dated September 3, the network lamented, "Gone too soon. Your infectious laughter, radiant light, and loving spirit will forever shine on in our hearts!"
Harper, who garnered an impressive following of over 449,000 on Instagram and more than 8,600 on TikTok, first rose to fame after his appearance on MTV's reality series "Catfish: Trolls" in 2018. The following year, he starred in an episode of "Divorce Court," which generated several viral moments that captivated audiences.
The influencer was also credited with popularizing the slang term "purr," a word used to express excitement or approval. Despite facing the challenges of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 3, a genetic neuromuscular disorder that caused muscle weakness and deterioration, Harper remained resilient. According to the Cleveland Clinic, individuals with SMA type 3 often experience muscle weakness in their lower limbs, making walking difficult.
However, Harper defied the odds and expert predictions for his lifespan. "Initially, they said I wouldn't make it past 14. The doctor was wrong," he shared in an interview with I Got Time Today in November 2023. "Science evolves, and doctors aren't infallible. God is good."
In recent years, Harper battled a series of medical setbacks, including recurrent bouts of pneumonia, which he courageously documented on social media. "It wasn't easy being unable to speak, but everything turned out alright," he posted on Instagram in August 2024. "I fought, not just for myself but for my fans, family, friends, and even those who didn't understand."
Following Harper's passing, countless fans paid tribute to him online, including Cardi B, who fondly referred to him as "a menace" with a heart of gold. "He underwent such a transformation and became incredibly positive," she wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on September 4. "I know his soul has reached heaven... You will be deeply missed, BIG PURRRR!!!"
