For millions, Daveigh Chase was the sound of childhood and the face of our worst nightmares. As the spirited voice of Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and the terrifying Samara Morgan in The Ring, she left an indelible mark on early 2000s pop culture. But behind the impressive resume of a prolific child star—which also included cult classics like Donnie Darko and Spirited Away—Chase was fighting a quiet, devastating battle.
On June 16, 2026, Daveigh Chase passed away at the age of 35.
Here is what we know about her final days, the tragic cause of her death, and the heartbreaking final wishes shared by her loved ones.
The Cause of Death
Chase’s passing was the result of a severe, cascading medical crisis. According to statements provided by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, Chase died from meningitis and several serious blood infections, which ultimately led to sepsis.
Earlier in June, Chase had been admitted to a Los Angeles hospital suffering from severe malnutrition and significant weight loss. Hernandez described Chase as fiercely “strong and independent,” noting that she was initially reluctant to go to the hospital to seek medical care. By the time doctors were able to fully assess her condition, the situation was already critical.
A Heartbreaking Final Wish
Just a day before her death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by Hernandez, offering an emotional glimpse into the harsh realities the couple was facing behind closed doors.
Hernandez shared the devastating moment doctors informed them that the medical treatments were no longer working. Faced with the reality that she was passing away, Chase made her final wish clear: she wanted to leave the clinical environment.
“Despite everything, Daveigh wants to spend her remaining time with me, comfortable and together, rather than in a hospital,” Hernandez wrote in the campaign.
The couple had previously shared dreams for their future, specifically hoping to visit Redwood National Park. Instead, their focus shifted entirely to making her last moments as peaceful as possible. Hernandez’s fundraiser was a final plea for help to secure a safe, comfortable space where they could create a few last, beautiful memories together.
A Quiet Struggle in Her Final Years
While many remember Chase for her celebrated performances in Lilo & Stitch, HBO’s Big Love, and The Ring, her life off-screen in recent years was fraught with difficulty.
According to her partner’s public statements, the former child star had endured a difficult childhood, a painful estrangement from her family, and severe bullying. She struggled to find safety and stability while navigating life in downtown Los Angeles. Hernandez noted that when they met, he promised to protect her and provide the love and comfort she deserved. They had recently found a sense of home and peace together before the sudden, aggressive onset of the infections that claimed her life.
A Legacy of Joy and Terror
Daveigh Chase’s career is a rare Hollywood paradox: she simultaneously voiced one of Disney’s most beloved, emotionally resonant characters and portrayed one of the horror genre’s most iconic villains (winning an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain in the process). Her work “has brought joy to so many,” as her partner noted, cementing her in the history of cinema.
Though her final years were marked by deep hardship, she is remembered not just for the characters she left behind, but as a fiercely independent woman whose final priority was simply to be surrounded by love.
Source Report: This article synthesizes reporting by Lauren Anderson in Parade, Daren DeFrank in TheWrap, alongside initial confirmations from TMZ and WDW News Today.
Leo Falsafi is a digital marketing veteran and senior journalist at Virlan.co, where he covers the intersection of digital marketing, gaming, and breaking US trending news. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience in SEO and digital strategy, Leo has consulted for and scaled hundreds of companies. His deep industry roots allow him to deliver sharp, fact-checked insights and analysis on the trends shaping today’s digital landscape.
