New court documents have revealed that late actress Daveigh Chase left behind an estate worth an estimated $400,000 despite reportedly struggling with homelessness in the months before her death. According to legal filings obtained by Page Six, Chase’s mother, Cathy Chase, has petitioned a California court to be appointed administrator of the actress’ estate. The documents state that the former child star owned approximately $400,000 in personal property at the time of her death. Daveigh Chase, best known for playing Samara in The Ring and voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, died last month at the age of 35.
The court filing also notes that Chase never married and had no children. Cathy Chase identified the actress’ father, John Schwallier, as a potential heir, claiming he currently resides in the Philippines while maintaining properties in Las Vegas.
Last month, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled that Chase’s primary cause of death was complications related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with chronic polysubstance use listed as a contributing factor.
Following her death, a man identifying himself as her boyfriend launched a GoFundMe campaign, claiming the actress had experienced years of hardship and estrangement from her family. However, Chase’s former manager, John Ryan, publicly urged fans not to donate, saying neither her close friends nor family were aware of the fundraiser.
Ryan also claimed the actress had a SAG trust account that could cover final expenses and alleged she had millions of dollars in unclaimed residual payments from her years working in television and film.
The revelations came after disturbing footage reportedly showed the former child star living in Los Angeles’ Skid Row shortly before her death. Ryan said he and members of her family had hired a private investigator in 2025 in an effort to locate her and help her rebuild her life, but she disappeared again after briefly making contact.
Despite her personal struggles, Chase leaves behind a memorable body of work that includes The Ring, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, Donnie Darko and the English-language voice of Chihiro in Spirited Away. Her performances made her one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young actors of the early 2000s, and her legacy continues to resonate with audiences around the world.