The Los Angeles County coroner’s office has officially confirmed the cause of death of actor Daveigh Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and starring in ‘The Ring’. She died on June 16 in Los Angeles at the age of 35.
Daveigh Chase cause of death revealed
According to the coroner’s report cited by Variety, Chase, who was also known as Daveigh Schwallier, died from complications of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The report also listed ‘chronic polysubstance use’ as a secondary cause of death.
Roy Hernandez reveals Daveigh Chase’s diagnosis
Prior to the release of the official findings, Chase’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, had told TMZ that she had been diagnosed with meningitis and sepsis, a life-threatening response to an infection. Hernandez further told the publication that the former child actor had initially been admitted to a Los Angeles hospital earlier this month due to malnutrition before being diagnosed with meningitis and multiple serious blood infections. He said the resulting septic complications ultimately caused her body to shut down.
Daveigh Chase’s father reveals her struggle with substance abuse
Meanwhile, in an interview with The New York Times, Chase’s father, John David Schwallier, said his daughter had died from complications related to bacterial meningitis and a blood infection. He revealed that his daughter experienced homelessness and had struggled with substance abuse since the age of 13. He also shared that they had been estranged for many years before her death.
Daveigh Chase’s beau stars GoFundMe
Prior to her death, a report on E! News stated that her beau, Hernandez wrote in a GoFundMe post, “Daveigh was diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections. Her condition has become critical.”Reflecting on their relationship, Hernandez wrote, “When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved.”Chase’s death has prompted tributes from fans who remember both her heartwarming voice performances that spanned animation, horror, television drama and independent film.
Daveigh Chase film career
Chase became a household name in 2002 when she voiced the title character in Disney’s animated film ‘Lilo & Stitch’, later reprising the role in the franchise’s television series. The performance introduced audiences to the now-famous line that “ohana means family”, making her voice synonymous with one of Disney’s most beloved modern characters.The same year, Chase delivered another career-defining performance as Samara Morgan, the terrifying antagonist in ‘The Ring’. Her portrayal earned widespread recognition and won her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.Beyond those landmark roles, Chase built an extensive screen career across film and television. She voiced Chihiro Ogino in the American dub of ‘Spirited Away’ and appeared in projects including ‘Donnie Darko’, ‘Beethoven’s 5th’, ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’, ‘ER’ and ‘Mercy’.Chase stopped acting around 2016, after which, she began getting involved in several legal issues, including being charged with riding in a stolen car and possession of a controlled substance.
