Daveigh Chase dies at 35: ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and ‘The Ring’ star’s tragic final health battle revealed

Daveigh Chase. Image Credit: Getty/Disney/TheSun

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of former child actress Daveigh Chase, whose memorable performances in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, The Ring, Spirited Away, and Donnie Darko made her one of the most recognizable young talents of the early 2000s. Chase has died at the age of 35 following a severe health battle involving meningitis, serious blood infections, and sepsis.

News of her death was first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by representatives close to the actress. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans who grew up watching her performances on both the big and small screens.

Daveigh Chase’s Cause of Death Revealed

According to her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, Chase had recently been diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections. Hernandez explained that the illnesses led to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection causes widespread inflammation and organ damage.

In a GoFundMe campaign created while Chase was undergoing treatment, Hernandez described her condition as critical and said doctors had warned that she might not have much time left.

The actress had reportedly also been hospitalized earlier in June due to malnutrition before her health deteriorated further. Despite medical efforts, complications from her illnesses ultimately proved fatal.

From Child Star to Hollywood Favorite

Born in 1990, Daveigh Chase began her acting career at a young age and quickly became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable child performers.

Her breakthrough year came in 2002 when she voiced the spirited young heroine Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s animated hit Lilo & Stitch. The performance earned widespread praise and later secured her an Annie Award for Outstanding Voice Acting.

That same year, Chase terrified movie audiences worldwide with her portrayal of Samara Morgan in the horror blockbuster The Ring. Her chilling performance became one of the most iconic horror roles of the decade and earned her an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.

Memorable Roles in ‘Spirited Away’ and ‘Donnie Darko’

Beyond Disney and horror films, Chase also built an impressive résumé that showcased her versatility.

She provided the English-language voice for Chihiro Ogino in the acclaimed animated masterpiece Spirited Away, helping introduce millions of English-speaking viewers to one of the most celebrated animated films ever made.

In 2001, she appeared in the cult classic Donnie Darko alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, playing Samantha Darko. She later reprised the role in the sequel S. Darko.

Television audiences also knew Chase from appearances in shows including CSI, Cold Case, Without a Trace, and the HBO drama Big Love, where she portrayed Rhonda Volmer.

Challenges Beyond Hollywood

While Chase found early success in the entertainment industry, people close to her said life after childhood stardom became increasingly difficult.

In comments shared through the fundraising campaign, Hernandez said the actress faced personal struggles, bullying, strained family relationships, and ongoing efforts to rebuild stability in her life.

He described her as a kind and caring individual who sought happiness and security after years of challenges.

A representative who worked with Chase for more than a decade described her as “the sweetest woman on the planet” and said her death represents a significant loss for friends, family, and longtime fans.

Fans Remember an Early 2000s Icon

For many millennials and Gen Z viewers, Daveigh Chase’s performances became defining moments of childhood entertainment.

Whether she was voicing Lilo’s heartwarming adventures in Hawaii, bringing Studio Ghibli’s magical storytelling to English-speaking audiences, or delivering one of horror cinema’s most unforgettable characters in Samara Morgan, Chase left a lasting impression on popular culture.

Her work continues to resonate with audiences decades later, particularly as Lilo & Stitch enjoys renewed popularity through Disney’s recent projects and as The Ring remains a landmark horror film.

As tributes continue to pour in across social media, fans are remembering Chase not only for her talent but also for the impact her performances had on an entire generation of moviegoers.

Daveigh Chase was 35.

FAQ

Who was Daveigh Chase?

Daveigh Chase was an American actress and voice actress best known for voicing Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and portraying Samara Morgan in the horror film The Ring. She also voiced Chihiro in the English dub of Spirited Away and appeared in Donnie Darko.

How did Daveigh Chase die?

According to reports from people close to her, Daveigh Chase died after suffering complications linked to meningitis, serious blood infections, and sepsis.

What was Daveigh Chase’s cause of death?

Her reported cause of death was complications resulting from meningitis and bloodstream infections that led to sepsis and organ failure.

How old was Daveigh Chase when she died?

Daveigh Chase was 35 years old at the time of her death in June 2026.

What illness did Daveigh Chase have?

Reports indicate that Chase had meningitis, multiple blood infections, and later developed sepsis.

What role made Daveigh Chase famous?

She became widely known for voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and for playing the terrifying Samara Morgan in The Ring.

Did Daveigh Chase win any awards?

Yes. She won an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain for her role in The Ring and received an Annie Award for her voice performance in Lilo & Stitch.

What movies and TV shows was Daveigh Chase in?

Her notable projects include:

Lilo & Stitch
The Ring
Spirited Away
Donnie Darko
S. Darko
Big Love
CSI
Cold Case
Without a Trace

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection damages its own tissues and organs. It can lead to organ failure and death if not treated quickly.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections and can become life-threatening in severe cases.

Why are fans mourning Daveigh Chase?

Fans remember her as one of the most recognizable child actresses of the early 2000s. Her performances in Lilo & Stitch, The Ring, and Spirited Away left a lasting impact on popular culture.

What was Daveigh Chase’s last acting role?

One of her final screen appearances was in the 2016 thriller American Romance, which marked the end of her acting career before she largely stepped away from Hollywood.