LOS ANGELES — Kagney Linn Karter has passed away at 36, according to reports by industry associates and family members.
Karter reportedly took her own life on Thursday in her home in Parma, Ohio.
Karter was born in Texas and grew up in Missouri and Pennsylvania. She began dancing in adult clubs in Missouri, where she was chosen 2007 Déjà Vu Showgirl of the Year in a statewide competition. She then moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting and music career, and in 2008 she began performing in the adult industry, quickly becoming a top, in-demand performer.
Her IAFD page lists close to 1,000 credits between 2008 and the early 2020s, in a lengthy career that netted her seven XBIZ Awards nominations, including three for Female Performer of the Year between 2011 and 2013.
Karter performed for major studios such as Vivid, Wicked, Brazzers, Jules Jordan, New Sensations, Naughty America, Elegant Angel, Evil Angel, Twistys, Zero Tolerance and many others.
Karter was also the Penthouse Pet of the Month for June 2009, and was featured on the cover of “Erotic Dream Girls,” a photography book by Holly Randall.
While she continued dancing at top national club chains, Karter had recently slowed down her performing career and was living in Ohio between Cleveland and Akron, where she was working as a fitness instructor.
"I worked with Kagney for many years," director Mike Quasar posted on X, urging the community to help with memorial expenses. "She was our contract girl at Zero Tolerance. She was always like sunshine in the room. A good soul who will be missed."
Co-star Chad Alva called Karter "a legend" and posted his tribute on Instagram: "Kagney was one of the performers I was most intimidated to be booked with my first few years in the biz when I was still naive and trying to prove myself. I assumed an A-list XXX bombshell such as herself would have a bloated ego, but in fact she seemed to me the opposite. Kagney did not seem to give a fuck about most ego-driven elements of existence. She came off to me as incredibly authentic and eccentric with a really bizarre, dry sense of humor, and I loved that about her. It’s sad to know reality wasn’t doing the trick for her but I hope she’s at peace now, wherever that soul goes."
Many other scene partners in the industry posting on social media concurred about Karter's luminous presence on set. "Sweet" and "kind" were universal characterizations of the late performer.
The Brazzers team posted on X, "Kagney was a remarkably talented actor, singer, and dancer with a great sense of humor who will be remembered as not only a beloved performer but also as a kind and gentle soul. Our thoughts and condolences go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time."
Producer and co-star Dan Leal told XBIZ, "Kagney was one of my all-time favorite models, her smile would always brighten my day. I worked with her numerous times including one of my last shoots I did before I moved to Europe, alongside Shawna Lenee. Heaven truly got an angel with Kagney."
“She had an infectious smile and her gift of kindness,” her family wrote in a statement. “She was very humble and loving and touched so many people’s hearts and souls, some with just a smile and wave and some with deep meaning and guidance. She was nothing short of amazing.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help with expenses for her memorial.
Main Image: Kagney Linn Karter by Holly Randall