Tragic End for Lilo & Stitch Star: Daveigh Chase Died of AIDS at Just 35 – Official Cause Revealed Two Weeks Later
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Daveigh Chase, the talented former child actress best known for voicing the beloved Hawaiian girl Lilo in Disney’s animated classic Lilo & Stitch and delivering one of the most chilling performances as the vengeful Samara in the 2002 horror hit The Ring. On June 29, 2026, two weeks after her passing, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office released the official cause of her death, confirming a heartbreaking battle that extended far beyond the spotlight.
Chase, born Daveigh Elizabeth Schwallier on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas and raised in Albany, Oregon, began her acting career at a remarkably young age. By seven, she was appearing in commercials and guest roles on popular shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Charmed, and ER. Her breakthrough came in 2002 when, at just 11 years old, she lent her distinctive voice to Lilo Pelekai in Lilo & Stitch, a role that earned her an Annie Award and resonated with audiences worldwide. That same year, she terrified moviegoers as the eerie Samara Morgan crawling out of the television in The Ring, securing the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.
She continued voicing Lilo across sequels, the long-running Disney Channel series, and related projects, while also taking on live-action roles in films like Donnie Darko and the HBO drama Big Love. Her talent for blending innocence with intensity made her a standout among child performers of her generation. Yet, behind the success, Chase faced significant personal challenges. Reports indicate she struggled with substance abuse issues starting in her early teens, leading to legal troubles, periods of instability, and eventually homelessness in Los Angeles in the years leading up to her death.
According to medical examiner records, Chase died on June 16, 2026, at age 35 in a Los Angeles hospital. The primary cause was listed as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with chronic polysubstance use noted as a significant contributing condition. Her manner of death was ruled natural. Earlier reports from her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, described her being admitted for malnutrition, followed by complications including meningitis and a severe blood infection leading to sepsis. Her father, John Schwallier, confirmed aspects of her difficult final days, noting the family’s estrangement at times but his presence near the end.
The revelation of her official cause of death has sparked broader conversations about the vulnerabilities faced by former child stars. Many in Hollywood transition from early fame into adulthood with limited support systems, and Chase’s story highlights the devastating intersection of addiction, health crises, and lack of stable housing. Friends and former colleagues described her as a bright and sweet person whose talent left a lasting mark on animation and horror genres alike. GoFundMe efforts surfaced amid her hospitalization, though her family and former manager disputed some of the associated claims, emphasizing that arrangements were being handled privately.
Chase’s legacy remains tied to the joy she brought to millions through Lilo’s adventurous spirit and the unforgettable terror of Samara. As fans revisit her work, her passing serves as a somber reminder of the human struggles that can persist long after the cameras stop rolling. At 35, a life full of early promise ended too soon, leaving behind a body of work that continues to entertain and haunt new generations. Her story underscores the importance of compassion, mental health resources, and sustained support for those in the public eye navigating life’s harshest battles.
