Daveigh Chase, the former child actress who charmed audiences as the voice of Lilo in Disney’s beloved animated film Lilo & Stitch and terrified them as the vengeful Samara in the horror remake The Ring, died on June 16, 2026, at the age of 35.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled her death a natural one, with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) listed as the primary cause and chronic polysubstance use cited as a significant contributing condition.

Chase’s passing marks another tragic chapter in the often harsh realities faced by former child stars. Born Daveigh Elizabeth Chase-Schwallier on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas, she rose to prominence in the early 2000s with a string of notable roles that showcased both her innocence and her capacity for intense, unsettling performances.

Her voice work as Lilo Pelekai in the 2002 Disney film became a cultural touchstone, embodying themes of family, belonging, and resilience with the memorable line “Ohana means family.” That same year, she delivered a breakout dramatic performance as the eerie Samara Morgan in Gore Verbinski’s The Ring, a role that left a lasting imprint on horror cinema.

Additional credits included appearances in Donnie Darko, Spirited Away (English dubbing), and various television shows. By her mid-teens, Chase had established herself as one of Hollywood’s promising young talents.

Yet, like many child performers, her transition into adulthood proved difficult. Public records and family statements indicate her career slowed significantly after 2016, with personal challenges mounting in the background.

According to multiple reports, Chase had been grappling with substance abuse and periods of homelessness in Los Angeles in the years leading up to her death. She was reportedly living on Skid Row at times, a stark contrast to her early fame.

Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, initially shared that she had been hospitalized for malnutrition earlier in June and ultimately succumbed to complications including meningitis and a blood infection that led to sepsis.

The official medical examiner’s findings, released in recent days, provide a clearer picture. Documents obtained by outlets such as TMZ, People, and Deadline confirm AIDS as the underlying cause, with chronic polysubstance use exacerbating her condition.

She passed away in a hospital, and authorities classified the manner of death as natural.

Friends, family, and fans have reacted with an outpouring of grief mixed with reflection on the pressures of child stardom. Chase’s father, John David Schwallier, has spoken candidly about her struggles, linking some difficulties to lifestyle choices that began in her early teens.

Her mother has also addressed the family’s pain, emphasizing battles with addiction. Tributes from co-stars and industry figures, including Melissa Gilbert, have highlighted the need for better support systems for young performers and their families.

“Stage parents, be sure it’s what your child truly wants,” Gilbert reportedly urged in a public statement, highlights broader concerns about the entertainment industry’s impact on vulnerable talents.

Chase’s story echoes those of other former child actors who faced similar trajectories. The glitter of early success can fade quickly, leaving individuals ill-equipped for the challenges of adult life, especially when compounded by mental health issues, substance dependency, and limited financial safety nets.

In Los Angeles, where homelessness and the opioid crisis intersect with the remnants of Hollywood dreams, her experience was not entirely unique but remains deeply poignant.

A GoFundMe launched by her boyfriend aimed to support medical care and final arrangements, drawing donations from fans wishing to honor her legacy. Supporters recalled not only her on-screen contributions but also her potential for a fuller life beyond the spotlight.

Public Reaction

Industry observers note that while awareness around child performer protections has grown with reforms in California labor laws and union guidelines gaps remain, particularly once careers wind down. Advocates call for expanded mental health resources, financial literacy programs, and long-term support for those who entered the workforce as minors.

Chase is survived by her parents and other family members. Funeral arrangements have not been publicly detailed as of this writing, though a private service is expected.

In the days since the medical examiner’s report surfaced, social media has been flooded with clips from her performances. Fans young and old have shared memories of watching Lilo & Stitch with their own families, finding comfort in the film’s message of unconditional love even as they mourn the woman behind the voice.

Others have revisited The Ring, marveling at the power of her portrayal despite her young age at the time.

Her death serves as a somber reminder of the human cost behind entertainment. While millions enjoyed her work, fewer saw the private battles that defined her later years.

As one outreach worker who encountered Chase on Skid Row reportedly told media, she remained kind and hopeful even in hardship, occasionally speaking of dreams to return to acting or voice work.

The entertainment community continues to grapple with these stories. From Britney Spears’ conservatorship battles to the experiences shared in documentaries like Quiet on Set, the conversation around protecting young talent and supporting their futures remains urgent.

Daveigh Chase’s contributions to film and animation will endure. Her voice as Lilo still resonates with new generations discovering the film, and her chilling performance in The Ring continues to define the horror genre’s modern era. Yet her passing at 35 highlights a painful truth: talent alone is rarely enough to shield someone from life’s harsher realities.

As fans and colleagues say goodbye, many echo the sentiment from the film that made her famous-ohana, family, means nobody gets left behind. In death, Chase’s story may yet inspire greater compassion and systemic change for those navigating fame’s aftermath.