Lil Tay's mum said she was straight A student who did ballet

Earlier today, the tragic news was announced that social media star Lil Tay had died.

In a statement shared to the teenager's Instagram account, her family confirmed the news.

The post explained the young girl - real name Claire Hope - had passed away suddenly, along with her brother.

At the time of writing, no cause of death for either sibling had been confirmed.

The post read: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing.

"We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock.

"Her brother’s passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief.

Instagram/@liltay

"During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss, as the circumstances surrounding Claire and her brother’s passing are still under investigation."

Lil Tay shot to global fame back in 2018.

Just nine years old at the time, the young rapper shared controversial videos, inspired by trap, of her singing about her inordinate wealth.

But before she started having online beef with other viral stars and rappers, Lil Tay was a straight-A student, according to her mum.

Speaking to Good Morning America at the time, Angie, as she was identified, said that her daughter was also a keen musician, playing the piano, and also loved ice skating and ballet.

She told the outlet that she was really 'proud' of Lil Tay, saying she was 'well-mannered and a great kid, well-behaved'.

@liltay/Instagram

Angie added that despite the controversy surrounding her viral posts, her daughter was 'just entertaining people'.

In an interview of her own, Lil Tay opened up about the criticism she received over some of her content.

Sitting sat down with ABC News to discuss what it was like being a famous child as well as her videos, the internet star said she didn't care what people said.

“People think it’s funny, I guess, cause I’m nine years old and I’ve accomplished so much,” Lil Tay told ABC News' Juju Chang.

“I’m the youngest flexer. I can do anything I like. If they don’t believe me, I don’t care.”

Lil Tay and her mother Angie had recently moved from their home in Canada to Hollywood amid her rise to fame.