Rolling Ray, a beloved social media trailblazer known for his witty one-liners and viral videos, has died, according to a social media post byZeus Network. The Zeus Network alum, real name Raymond Harper of Washington, DC, was 28 years old. His death was also reported byTMZandFOX 5 DC, but the cause was not immediately revealed. According to reports, his mother, Sazola Nay, made the announcement on Facebook. Zeus Network confirmed the news in aheartfelt social media tributeon Thursday, Sept. 4. "Gone way too soon. #RestInPeace to the BIG hearted, most Raw, & Real FRIEND & #Zeus Star #RaymondHarper aka @iamrollingray," the statement said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Zeus Network (@thezeusnetwork) Influencer deaths:TikTok creator Malik Taylor dies in 'tragic vehicle accident', family says Rolling Ray starred in and executive produced Zeus' original dating competition show,"Bobby I Love You Purr,"where he helped reality television star Bobby Lytes find love. "You were Unapologetically & Authentically your TRUEST Self. From your ZEUS Fam, we Love, Thank, & will Miss you Always. Sending Prayers & Condolences to his loved ones!" the network continued. Prior to "Bobby I Love You Purr," he also participated in two episodes of the streaming service's confrontation series"The Conversation" with Lytes,released in 2021, following their years-long internet disputes. "Rest in Peace to the most famous boy in a wheelchair. We came together and showed the world how two different people from 2 separate paths in life can put hate aside and create magic," Lytes, who also appeared on VH1's "Love & Hip Hop: Miami," said inan Instagram post. "You are loved all over the world, and you will be missed dearly. Spread your wings and fly my iconic friend Rolling Ray." Rapper Cardi B also shared her condolences in a post on X, formerly Twitter, which reads in part, "... I know that soul made it to heaven…You will truly be missed BIG PURRRR!!!" Rolling Ray was a menace lmaoo… but he changed soo much and became so positive. I know that soul made it to heaven…You will truly be missed BIG PURRRR!!! — Cardi B (@iamcardib)September 4, 2025 Rolling Ray gained prominence on social media after clips of his appearances on "Catfish: Trolls" in 2018and "Divorce Court" in 2019 went viral. He fascinated social media users with his clapbacks, comedic videos, unapologetic personality and contribution to online vernacular, garnering nearly450,000 followers on Instagram. "Purr," his most famous saying associated with his brand, has become a popular catchphrase and slang term used on social media. He released a diss trackcalled "Big Purr"after rapper Coi Leraycreated a song with the same namein 2021. Somebody tell Beyoncé that Rolling Ray passed!She used to check up on him 😔🙏🏽🕊️pic.twitter.com/TFhRksKuiB — k a r y . (@itsKARY_)September 4, 2025 Other notable moments include his videos rolling in front of law enforcement during the Black Lives Matter protestsand his quip that"Beyonce has my number"on "Divorce Court." Healso took a now-viral dig at Lytes:"I just came back from the dead and they told me you're still not that girl." This story was updated to add new information. Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Rolling Ray, influencer and reality star, dies at 28 years old
