American musician Mod Sun pays heartbreaking tribute to his ex-girlfriend Sahara Ray and calls her 'a true love of mine' after Australian model's death aged 34

American singer Mod Sun has paid an emotional tribute to his ex-girlfriend Sahara Ray, revealing he continued to love the Australian model long after their relationship ended.

The musician shared a heartfelt Instagram post on Wednesday following Sahara's death on October 18, remembering their travels together and describing her as 'a true love of mine'.

Sahara, 34, died in a Los Angeles hospital of a drug overdose over the weekend just months after welcoming her first child, daughter Snow, in January.

Reflecting on their romance, Mod said the model had remained an inspiration to him even after they went their separate ways.

'She was my inspiration before, during, + long after we dated. She was a true love of mine,' he wrote.

The musician also shared a poignant farewell to his former partner.

'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.' 

Mod also remembered Sahara's creativity, laugh and ability to bring life to any room she entered.

'This is who Sahara was in this world. Pure magic. She could turn any moment into art,' he wrote.

He reflected on the connection they felt through sharing the same birthday, saying it seemed as though they somehow shared the same soul.

Their adventures took them to Hawaii, California's Big Sur and Minnesota, with Mod recalling that he had never felt more free than when they were together.

Calling Sahara the 'ETERNAL IT GIRL', he also celebrated her distinctive style, love of nature and the unique way she saw the world.

His tribute comes as Sahara's family mourns the Australian model and swimwear designer, whose father is renowned surfer Tony Ray.

A source close to Sahara previously told the Daily Mail she had suffered a fentanyl overdose two days before her death and had been placed on life support.

Her relatives made the decision to remove her from life support on Sunday afternoon, the source said.

An official cause of death has not been confirmed.

Sahara's mother, real estate agent Gretchen Bach, remembered her daughter's devotion to her family and baby girl in a statement to the Daily Mail.

'Sahara was an incredibly passionate and kind young woman who loved her family, fashion, her daughter Snow, and surfing,' she said.

'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.'

Sahara welcomed Snow in January and later shared photographs of her daughter with her substantial Instagram following.

Her final grid post, shared in July, featured pictures of the little girl alongside the caption: 'My whole heart. Baby Snow.'

The model had faced significant health challenges in recent years.

In 2024, she revealed she had been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome following a serious car accident involving an alleged drunk driver.

The rare neurological condition left her partially paralysed and needing assistance as she worked towards recovery.

Her death also follows another devastating loss for the extended Ray family.

Sahara's cousin Sienna Ray died aged 26 on July 23, 2024, with her death attributed to a pulmonary embolism.

Sienna's loved ones gathered to farewell her at Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club on Victoria's Surf Coast the following month.

Sahara, who was linked to Justin Bieber in 2016, built a career in modelling and launched her own swimwear label, Sahara Ray Swim.