Body of Aussie model Sahara Ray released to her family ten days after sudden death

The body of Australian model Sahara Ray has been released to her devastated family ten days after her death shocked the world.

The influencer — who is the daughter of well-known Australian surfer Tony Ray — was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital on October 16 after a suspected overdose.

The model’s family flocked to her bedside, before making the difficult decision to turn off her life support two days later on October 18.

On Tuesday evening, TMZ revealed Californian officials had carried out an autopsy on the swimwear founder’s body — meaning her body was finally able to be released to her family.

The release means the family is able to begin preparing funeral arrangements for the 34-year-old.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office have not stated an official cause of death for the model as they are yet to receive toxicology results, however initial reports indicated Ray may have suffered a fentanyl overdose.

In a statement issued after her daughter’s untimely passing, Ray’s mother Gretchen Bach described her as “an incredibly passionate and kind young woman who love her family and fashion”.

“We’re feeling the love that is pouring in from her cherished friends, fans, and the many communities that she was part of around the world.”

Influencers and notable personalities from across the globe similarly expressed their heartbreak over Ray’s shock passing — with Perth influencer Em Davies posting an emotional tribute to the “warm and generous” model.

“I’m so beyond sad to hear of her passing . . . My heart breaks for her family and everyone who loved her,” the tribute read.

“Life is so incredibly short. Rest peacefully, beautiful girl.”

Ray shot to fame in 2016 following a fling with Canadian singer Justin Bieber, with the Aussie famously snapped skinny dipping with the pop sensation during a trip to Hawaii.

The Victorian-born model has also been notably linked to Aussie singer Cody Simpson back in 2015, and American rocker Mod Sun in 2023.

Sun shared a lengthy tribute to Ray on social media after news of her death broke, with the singer calling his former flame “pure magic” and praising her as his “true love”.

“Life will never be the same without your energy, I love you Hara — I always have and I always will,” he said.

“Save a spot for me in the forest, angel.”

Ray leaves behind a nine-month-old daughter named Snow, who she welcomed in January of this year.

The identity of the child’s father had remained a mystery until the model’s death, when it was revealed to be 38-year-old Michael Bradley Dow.