Mod Sun is reflecting on his late ex-girlfriend Sahara Ray, describing her as “pure magic” and “a true love of mine” in an emotional Instagram Reel shared on Wednesday.
The musician, whose real name is Derek Ryan Smith, posted a touching video featuring Ray with a monarch butterfly resting gently on her hand. The butterfly stayed there, flapping its wings, while she playfully moved it to her nose and back to her fingers.
“This is who Sahara was in this world,” he expressed. “Pure magic. She could turn any moment into art. She walked into a room, and suddenly, it was vibrant.”
Smith mentioned that he and Ray shared the same birthday, which made it feel like they were connected on a deeper level. He referred to her as “everyone’s muse” and often called her the “ETERNAL IT GIRL.”
“Being with her made me feel the most free I ever felt,” he continued. “She was my inspiration before, during, and long after our relationship. She was a true love of mine. She just saw life in a different way. Honestly, I think she was just too special for this world.”
He added that, “Everyone knew she was a magical fairy,” emphasizing his enduring love for her and suggesting she “save a spot for me in the forest.”
Ray, who was 34 at the time of her death, is remembered fondly for her ability to infuse art into everyday moments. In their final images together, they appear joyful and alive, conveying the beauty of their connection.
Sadly, Ray passed away on Sunday in Los Angeles. Reports indicate she was placed on life support before her family chose to take her off it.
While the official cause of death has yet to be confirmed, a source indicated to the Daily Mail that it may have been due to a fentanyl overdose.
Her unexpected passing followed shortly after she gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Snow, in January with Michael Bradley Dow. In addition to Mod Sun, Ray had previously dated Justin Bieber and Cody Simpson.
Ray was the daughter of famed surfer Tony Ray and real estate agent Gretchen Gia Bach. Her younger sister Ruby remembered her as a “force of nature,” whose vibrant presence and loving spirit deeply impacted everyone who knew her.
