Australian Model Sahara Ray Dies at Age 34
The swimwear entrepreneur and daughter of surfer Tony Ray has passed away following a long struggle with health complications.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Surfing
Australian model and Sahara Ray Swim founder Sahara Ray has died at the age of 34. She passed away on 18 October 2026 while surrounded by her family at a hospital.
Why it matters
Ray became a prominent figure in the fashion industry after launching her own swimwear brand in 2014. Her passing marks the end of a difficult two-year period following a life-altering vehicle collision.
Sahara Ray launched her swimwear brand in 2014 after studying at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Her 2024 accident involved a driver travelling at approximately 80 miles per hour.
The players
Sahara Ray
She was an Australian model and the founder of the swimwear label Sahara Ray Swim.
Tony Ray
He is a professional surfer and the father of Sahara Ray.
The details
After sustaining injuries from a 2024 vehicle accident that left her paralysed from the thighs down, Ray faced additional health challenges including a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. She is survived by her daughter, Snow.
Timeline
2014: Ray established her swimwear brand.
8 April 2024: Ray was struck by a driver in a vehicle collision.
18 October 2026: Ray passed away at a hospital.
Season Trajectory
Ray's work positioned her among a notable group of Australian designers who successfully transitioned from local industry figures to international lifestyle icons. Her brand remains a key case study in how Australian swimwear labels capitalised on digital-first marketing strategies.
The closure of the Sahara Ray Swim brand may impact future retail availability of the label's existing swimwear collections. Fans of the brand should anticipate changes in official online distribution as the estate manages her legacy assets.
The takeaway
Ray leaves behind a legacy as a trailblazing entrepreneur who made significant marks on the swimwear industry. Her life serves as a reminder of the fragility of health for public figures facing traumatic injuries.
Further reading
Learn more about the figures who have shaped the local sports and fashion community in the Australia Surfing section.
