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Daveigh Chase, Lilo Voice, Dies at 35 from AIDS

6/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Daveigh Chase died on June 16, 2026, at age 35 from AIDS and chronic polysubstance use.
The medical examiner listed the manner of death as natural and said she died in a hospital.
Roy Hernandez said she died of meningitis, while John Ryan Jr. reported she died from sepsis after meningitis.
John David Schwallier told reporters she had been homeless near the hospital with her boyfriend.
She voiced Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s 2002 film Lilo & Stitch.

History

Historical Context

After more than 5,000 AIDS deaths in 1990, Congress passed the Ryan White CARE Act in August 1990, creating the nation’s largest federal HIV/AIDS program. Named for teen activist Ryan White, the act now funds care for roughly 500,000 people annually, a legacy echoed by actress Daveigh Chase’s 2024 death, which highlights ongoing gaps in treatment and stigma.

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Story summary

Daveigh Chase died on June 16, 2026, at age 35 from AIDS and chronic polysubstance use.
The medical examiner listed the manner of death as natural and said she died in a hospital.
Roy Hernandez said she died of meningitis, while John Ryan Jr. reported she died from sepsis after meningitis.
John David Schwallier told reporters she had been homeless near the hospital with her boyfriend.
She voiced Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s 2002 film Lilo & Stitch.

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