Former child star Daveigh Chase, known for her roles in Lilo & Stitch and The Ring, has died. She was 35.
Chase’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, confirmed to TMZ on Wednesday, June 17, that she died one day prior. According to Hernandez, Chase had meningitis and an infection in her blood that causes sepsis.
Chase rose to fame in the early 2000s, voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and Chihiro Ogino in Spirited Away. She also appeared in The Ring, Big Love and American Romance.
Hernandez launched a GoFundMe campaign shortly before Chase’s death, sharing details of her hospitalization.
“Daveigh Chase, my girlfriend, has always been a light in my life. Many people know her as a talented childhood actor from Lilo & Stitch, Spirited Away and Donnie Darko, but behind the scenes, she’s faced more than her share of hardship,” Hernandez 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.”
According to Hernandez, Chase was “recently” diagnosed with meningitis and “several serious blood infections.”
“Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left,” he noted in the fundraiser description. “All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe and be happy. Now, more than ever, I want to give her that sense of home and peace in her final days.”
He continued, “I understand we all go through things, but if you can help, I will be really grateful for anything. And if you can only give a prayer, I will take that too. Thank you for considering helping us during this difficult time.”
Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026. The year started off with Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford’s death at age 46. At the end of the month, comedy acting icon Catherine O’Hara died at age 71. In February, Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek died at age […]
Hernandez has not shared any additional updates following Chase’s death.
Chase took a step back from the spotlight, last appearing on screen in American Romance in 2016.
“I just want to make something that I love and people will respect,” Chase previously told Interview in 2009. “I want to do things that will change someone’s life, not something they’ll forget about tomorrow.”
Chase last posted on her Instagram account in 2017, captioning an image of herself with a unicorn balloon, “Unicorns DO exist 😻.”
Fans have since offered their condolences in the comments section.
“Rest in power, queen,” one social media user wrote, with another adding, “Thank you for being apart [sic] of our childhoods. Rest in eternal peace 🙏.”
