Full Breakdown
Daveigh Chase, Actress Known for “The Ring” and “Lilo & Stitch,” Dies at 35
6/21/2026, 8:21:29 PM
Death and Immediate Cause
On June 16, 2026, actress Daveigh Chase was found dead in Los Angeles at age 35. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner listed meningitis and a severe blood infection that progressed to sepsis as the proximate causes. Boyfriend Roy Hernandez announced the death to TMZ on June 17.
Career and Early Health Issues
Chase became known for Samara Morgan in *The Ring* (2002) and as the voice of Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s *Lilo & Stitch* (2002). Later roles included *Donnie Darko*, the American dub of *Spirited Away*, and her final credit, *American Romance* (2016). A 2016 motorcycle accident caused a back injury; prescribed oxycodone, she later developed a long-term opioid dependence, which her mother linked to subsequent homelessness and “partying with the wrong people.”
Timeline
- 2016: Back injury and prescription painkiller use.
- Oct 2019: Mother’s last in-person encounter; Chase released from jail.
- June 15 2026: Hospitalized for malnutrition and infection (per Hernandez).
- June 16 2026: Death from meningitis and sepsis.
- June 17-19 2026: Hernandez’s announcement and GoFundMe; mother identified remains and gave interview.
Official Statements
Cathy Chase said she felt “devastated,” describing nightly checks of the coroner’s database and the moment she identified her daughter’s remains, which she and a chaplain “laid hands and prayed” over. Roy Hernandez’s GoFundMe appeal warned of a “critical” condition and asked for a safe home. Former manager John Ryan noted the estate could cover all costs and urged fans not to donate to the fundraiser. Directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois posted a tribute illustration of Lilo and Stitch on Instagram, praising Chase’s impact on the franchise.
Criticism of Fundraiser
John Ryan publicly disputed the GoFundMe, stating, “Daveigh’s estate has plenty of means to pay for the cremation” and that “there are no medical bills to be paid or funeral expenses.” He also alleged that Hernandez concealed the severity of Chase’s condition from family until after her death and suggested the campaign was intended for personal gain.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources differ on the medical timeline: Hernandez cites a recent hospitalization for malnutrition, while the examiner’s report emphasizes meningitis and sepsis. The mother’s account of a 2019 jail release contrasts with Hernandez’s claim that Chase was hospitalized only days before death. The legitimacy and intended use of the GoFundMe campaign remain contested.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was devastated.” — Cathy Chase, mother
- “It felt like something inside of me squeezing all of the air out of me, and at the same time, it felt like I was exploding outwardly.” — Cathy Chase
- “She was seeking drugs and was partying with the wrong people,” — Cathy Chase
- “Daveigh’s estate has plenty of means to pay for the cremation,” — John Ryan, former manager
What’s Next
Family members have said no further fundraising will be pursued. Authorities have not released additional investigative findings, leaving the precise sequence of medical events leading to Chase’s death unresolved.
