Michael Bradley Dow, 38, has been identified as the father of Sahara Ray’s nine-month-old daughter, Snow, according to a Los Angeles hospital birth certificate. The disclosure follows the Australian model and swimwear designer’s death at age 34 after she was rushed to a hospital over the weekend.
Birth Certificate Identifies Michael Bradley Dow as Father
The identity of the father of Sahara Ray’s young daughter became public record through official documentation filed in Los Angeles. A birth certificate obtained by TMZ records the birth of Snow Ray Dow at 12:19 a.m. on January 27 at a Los Angeles hospital. The document lists Michael Bradley Dow, 38, alongside the late model as the child’s parents.
Throughout her pregnancy and the early months of motherhood, the Australian entrepreneur kept her romantic life and her daughter’s paternity out of the public eye. She welcomed Snow in January, sharing milestones of her family life with her social media followers before her unexpected hospitalization over the weekend.
The birth certificate unsealed in Los Angeles confirmed records for the child born to the Australian creative and the 38-year-old man. Prior to the release of this documentation, details surrounding the father’s identity had remained out of public view as the model balanced her career in fashion with her growing family.
Family Confirms Death as Friends Share Tributes
Ray’s family confirmed her passing through a statement to TMZ, noting that she died at the hospital surrounded by her relatives. Her mother, Gretchen Bach, offered a heartfelt remembrance to the Daily Mail.
Sahara was an incredibly passionate and kind young woman who loved her family, fashion, her daughter Snow, and surfing. 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.
Gretchen Bach, mother
Tributes also spread across digital platforms from friends and fellow models. Bryana Holly shared a lengthy message on Instagram remembering their long friendship, while Ray’s sister, Ruby Ray, posted an emotional public memorial describing her as the most vivacious, intelligent, hilarious, kind, empathetic and breathtakingly beautiful soul.
Additional tributes poured in from across social media as close associates marked the sudden loss. Model Becky Hearn shared throwback photographs on her Instagram stories alongside a dedicated message for her late friend, while Sabrina Zada posted a moving online tribute expressing profound grief over the passing of the swimwear entrepreneur.
Ray Built a Modeling Career Before Facing Health Struggles
Before stepping into motherhood, Ray built an international following through modeling, surfing roots linked to her professional surfer father Tony Ray, and her swimwear line, Sahara Ray Swim. Her personal life periodically drew public attention, including high-profile media coverage when she was photographed vacationing with Justin Bieber in Hawaii in 2016.
In recent years, the designer was open about severe physical challenges. In April 2024, she survived a serious car crash involving a drunk driver traveling roughly 80 mph, an accident that sent her body into shock and preceded a clinical diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The rare autoimmune condition left her paralyzed from the thighs down, relying on a wheelchair and a walker before she gradually regained mobility ahead of welcoming her daughter.
Prior to her health challenges and motherhood, Ray established her presence in beach culture and international fashion circles. Her childhood was split between her native Australia, California, and Hawaii, reflecting her family background as the daughter of celebrated pro surfer Tony Ray. She also spent time building her professional profile and sharing vulnerable personal milestones with her digital audience.
Official Cause of Death Remains Unconfirmed
While various media outlets have reported that the model suffered a fentanyl overdose on Friday before being placed on life support and subsequently taken off it on Sunday, official confirmation from law enforcement or a medical examiner’s office has not yet been released to clarify whether the incident was accidental.