Who Is Kai the Hitchhiker? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on September 3, 1988, Kai Lawrence, famously known as Kai the Hitchhiker, is a Canadian who gained notoriety in 2013 for his viral video where he became a social media sensation following a heroic act in California. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was later convicted of murder. As of 2025, Kai is 37 years old. His story has captivated and unsettled audiences worldwide, as he juxtaposes a seemingly carefree spirit with a troubled past.
For more detailed insights into his life story, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Other |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 3, 1988 |
| Age | 36 Years |
| Birth Place | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Canada |
Popularity
Kai the Hitchhiker's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Kai the Hitchhiker stands at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighs around 165 pounds (75 kg). His lean build complements his free-spirited lifestyle, often depicted in casual clothing that reflects his laid-back attitude towards life.
In February 2013, McGillvary was interviewed and videotaped by local Fox affiliate KMPH-TV in Fresno, California. McGillvary recounted he had been hitchhiking and was picked up by Jett Simmons McBride, whom McGillvary describes as weighing 300 lb, and who claimed to be Jesus Christ.
McBride began telling McGillvary about his background, including having raped a 14-year-old girl in the Virgin Islands while on a business trip. While recounting his life story, McBride suddenly crashed his car into a parked utility truck, pinning a worker between his front bumper and the rear of the truck.
McGillvary got out to help the man, while McBride remained in the car. When a female bystander arrived on the scene to help the stricken worker, McBride exited the vehicle and attacked her with a bear hug.
Believing the woman's life was in danger and that he could snap her neck "like a pencil stick", McGillvary removed a hatchet from his backpack and repeatedly struck McBride in the back of the head.
In a "zany" retelling, McGillvary reenacts the overhead swings and describes the hatchet blows as "Smash, smash, SUH-MASH!" McGillvary recounts he was later interrogated by police and set free.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Kai’s turbulent life has raised questions about his personal relationships. As of 2025, information regarding Kai’s current relationship status is limited, but he has previously been linked to various individuals during his rise to fame. Reports indicate that he may have been keeping his private life discreet, focusing rather on personal rehabilitation and growth. As for his family, Kai has reportedly faced challenges in maintaining familial bonds due to the nature of his past actions.
He has stated that he was raised in a fundamentalist Christian cult, that his parents were divorced, and that he had been molested in his youth. As a teenager, he moved with his family to St. Paul, Alberta, and attended St. Paul Regional High School.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, estimates suggest that Kai the Hitchhiker's net worth is around $500,000. While these figures may seem modest for a social media sensation, his past legal battles significantly impacted his financial standing. Furthermore, because much of his life has been lived in public scrutiny, opportunities for secure income sources remain limited.
Career, Business and Investments
Kai’s career trajectory has been heavily influenced by his infamous past. Initially celebrated as a “hero,” his subsequent arrest transformed him into a controversial figure. Although he garnered attention in 2013, sustaining a career has proved challenging. Currently, Kai engages in speaking events and interviews that share his experiences and reflections on his life choices. His approach is focused on rehabilitation rather than standard employment, indicating a nuanced relationship with society.
Social Network
Kai the Hitchhiker maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where he shares snapshots of his current life and thoughts. While he has faced censorship and restrictions due to his past, platforms like Instagram and Twitter allow him to connect with a limited audience interested in his journey and personal reflections. Checking out his profiles provides a glimpse into his ongoing battle with identity and redemption.
The video was uploaded to YouTube on February 2, 2013, by Jessob Reisbeck, who had conducted the interview for KMPH. As of March 15, 2025, the video has over 8.4 million views. The Gregory Brothers sampled the interview and turned it into a song, furthering the video's reach.
As a result of the original video's viral nature, McGillvary received extensive offers from various news and entertainment sources seeking interviews and appearances. This resulted in his appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on February 11, 2013.
In January 2020, McGillvary was interviewed on Inside Edition, where scenes from the viral video were replayed.
Education
Details about Kai’s educational background are sparse, reflecting his unconventional lifestyle. While it is known he pursued some education informally, his most significant learning experiences appear to stem from his life events rather than traditional academic institutions.
