Mod Sun Mourns Death of "Magical" Ex Sahara Ray
Model Sahara Ray Dead at 34, Less Than a Year After Welcoming Baby Girl
Mod Sun is remembering Sahara Ray's light.
Three days after the model died at age 34, the "Flames" singer shared a touching tribute to his ex, who he dated in 2023 following his split from Avril Lavigne.
"This is who Sahara was in this world. Pure magic," he wrote on Instagram alongside a video of her holding a monarch butterfly. "She could turn any moment into art. She walked into a room + all the sudden it was vibrant."
Sun (real name Derek Ryan Smith) went on to detail his connection with Ray, whose death comes just months after she welcomed baby girl Snow in January.
"It always felt like we were sharing the same soul somehow," Sun said in the Oct. 21 post. "She was everyone’s muse + I always called her the 'ETERNAL IT GIRL.'"
He explained that their bond deepened during trips to Hawaii, Minnesota and Big Sur, Calif. and lasted long after their split.
"When I was with her it was the most free I ever felt. She was my inspiration before, during, + long after we dated," he continued. "She was a true love of mine. She just saw life differently. I really do think she was just too special for this world. Everyone knew she was a magical fairy. She had a connection to nature I’ve never seen before."
The 39-year-old then shared what he'll always remember about the Sahara Ray Swim designer.
"I’ll never forget that smile + that laugh + the way I would watch you dance around the room while effortlessly putting together the most amazing outfits," Sun added. "No amount of words could ever do justice to how pure you were. Life will never be the same without your energy. I love you Hara…I always have + I always will. Save a spot for me in the forest angel."
Ray's family first confirmed her death on Oct. 19.
“She passed away last night surrounded by family at the hospital,” they said in a statement to TMZ. “She was so loved.”
Her cause of death has not been confirmed.
Anna Webber/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Read on for a look at Ray's vibrant life in photos.
Sahara Ray/Instagram
Fun in the Sun
Sahara Ray proved that her happy place is always in the sun, sharing a photo of herself riding an ATV in a September 2015 Instagram post.
Sahara Ray/Instagram
Strike a Pose
Ray documented her modeling journey over the years, including BTS shots from a March 2016 photoshoot. She captioned the post, "Work work work work work work."
Sahara Ray/Instagram
Happiest Place on Earth
The model took a break from her busy schedule to enjoy a day at Disneyland Paris in July 2019, dressed in a Minnie Mouse-inspired ensemble.
Sahara Ray/Instagram
Swimsuit Connoisseur
Ray often showed off the latest collection from her eponymous swimsuit brand, most recently featuring a baby pink bikini while posing on a jet ski in September 2024.
Sahara Ray/Instagram
Bumpin' Along the Road to Motherhood
As the model prepared to strut into life as a new mom, she documented her growing baby bump throughout her pregnancy.
Sahara Ray/Instagram
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
Ray may have spent much of her time basking in the sun in California, Hawaii and her native Australia, but in August 2025, she revealed she'd named her baby girl Snow.
Sahara Ray/Instagram
Mommy's Little Girl
Prior to Sahara Ray's death on Oct. 18 at age 34, she shared sweet glimpses into life as a mom to her daughter.
Sahara Ray/Instagram
Mom's First Mother's Day
The model shared how much she'd loved the early months of motherhood as she celebrated Mother's Day in May.
“Happy Mother's Day to all my strong beautiful mothers," she captioned her Instagram post. “You are the light and love of my life baby Snow. Thank you for existing."
Sahara Ray/Instagram
The Sweetest Friends
Sabrina Zada paid tribute to her friend. Referring to Taylor Swift's 2022 song, she wrote on Instagram that Ray was "bigger than the whole sky."
"Still will always be," she continued. "I don't know what to do anymore. None of this makes sense without you. Selfishly, I just assumed you'd be here because why wouldn't somebody as beautiful, kind, funny, and interesting as you be here anymore. I'm very confused. I miss you. Please text me back and say it's a moment and nothing more."
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