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

Daveigh Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in Lilo & Stitch and playing Samara Morgan in The Ring, has had her official cause of death revealed.

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

The news comes after Chase’s death was first reported with limited details. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, previously told TMZ that she had been dealing with health problems, including contract meningitis and sepsis, a serious condition caused by the body’s reaction to infection.

Before her death, Hernandez shared more about Chase’s personal struggles in a GoFundMe post. 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 difficult years. He said she had experienced homelessness and had struggled with drug addiction from a young age. He also revealed that they had not been in contact for many years before her death.

The actress had stepped away from acting around 2016 after building a successful career as a child performer. Following her time in Hollywood, Chase faced several legal issues, including charges related to riding in a stolen vehicle and possession of a controlled substance.

Chase became widely recognized at a young age when she provided the voice of Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. Her performance made her a fan favorite, and she returned to the role in several follow-up projects, including Stitch! The Movie, Leroy & Stitch, and Lilo & Stitch: The Series.

Beyond her work with Disney, Chase also became known for darker roles. She portrayed the terrifying Samara Morgan in The Ring, one of the most recognizable 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 work included a role on Big Love, where she played Rhonda Volmer, a teenager connected to a controversial religious community.

Throughout her career, Chase moved between family entertainment, horror, and drama, becoming a familiar face and voice to audiences who grew up watching her projects. Her death has led many fans to remember her early performances and the impact she had during her years in the spotlight.

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