Cause of Death Confirmed for ‘Lilo & Stitch’ & ‘The Ring’ Star Daveigh Chase (35)

Daveigh Chase, renowned for voicing Lilo in ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and portraying Samara Morgan in ‘The Ring’, has had her official cause of death disclosed.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed that Chase passed away on June 17 in Los Angeles at the age of 35. The coroner’s report indicates that her cause of death was Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), with chronic polysubstance use noted as a contributing factor.

This revelation follows initial reports of Chase’s death, which provided limited information. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, previously told TMZ that she had been facing health challenges, including contracted meningitis and sepsis, a severe condition resulting from the body’s response to infection.

In a GoFundMe post prior to her passing, Hernandez shared insights into Chase’s personal battles. He wrote, “After a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, Daveigh was bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown L.A. When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved. Together, we found moments of happiness and hope.”

Chase’s father, John David Schwallier, also spoke with The New York Times about his daughter’s challenging years. He revealed that she had faced homelessness and struggled with drug addiction from a young age, and they had not been in contact for many years before her death.

The actress stepped back from acting around 2016 after a successful career as a child performer. Post-Hollywood, Chase encountered several legal troubles, including charges related to riding in a stolen vehicle and possession of a controlled substance.

Chase gained widespread recognition early on when she voiced Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’. Her performance endeared her to fans, leading her to reprise the role in various follow-up projects, including ‘Stitch! The Movie’, ‘Leroy & Stitch’, and ‘Lilo & Stitch: The Series’.

In addition to her Disney work, Chase became known for her darker roles. She played the chilling Samara Morgan in ‘The Ring’, one of the most iconic horror characters of the early 2000s. She also appeared as Samantha Darko, the younger sister of Jake Gyllenhaal’s character in ‘Donnie Darko’, and later returned for the sequel ‘S. Darko’.

Her television credits include a role on ‘Big Love’, where she portrayed Rhonda Volmer, a teenager associated with a controversial religious community.

Throughout her career, Chase navigated between family entertainment, horror, and drama, becoming a recognizable face and voice for audiences who grew up with her work. Her passing has prompted many fans to reflect on her early performances and the significant impact she made during her time in the spotlight.

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