The cause of death of actress Daveigh Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, has been officially confirmed, shedding light on the heartbreaking final chapter of the former child star’s life. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Chase died from complications related to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The report also listed chronic polysubstance use as a secondary contributing factor. She passed away on June 16 at the age of 35. Chase’s father, John David Schwallier, told The New York Times that his daughter had struggled with substance abuse since she was just 13 years old. He also revealed that she had experienced homelessness in recent years and that the two had been estranged for a long time before her death.
In the days following her passing, Chase’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, had initially shared that she had been battling meningitis and sepsis. He also launched a fundraiser, describing the difficult circumstances she faced after a troubled childhood and a painful separation from her family.
“Together, we found moments of happiness and hope,” Hernandez wrote while remembering the actress.
Chase became a household name in 2002 after lending her voice to Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. She later reprised the beloved role in Stitch! The Movie, Leroy & Stitch and the animated television series based on the hit film.
Outside of Disney, she built an impressive résumé at a young age. Horror fans remember her as Samara Morgan in The Ring, while television audiences knew her as Rhonda Volmer in HBO’s Big Love. She also appeared in Donnie Darko as Samantha Darko before returning for the 2009 sequel S. Darko.
However, her promising acting career gradually faded during the mid-2010s. She stepped away from Hollywood around 2016, and in later years, reports of legal troubles surfaced, including charges involving a stolen vehicle and possession of a controlled substance.
News of Chase’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans who grew up watching her work. While many remember her as the cheerful voice behind one of Disney’s most beloved characters, the details surrounding her final years have also sparked conversations about addiction, homelessness and the challenges many former child stars continue to face long after leaving the spotlight.
Her legacy lives on through the memorable performances that introduced her to audiences around the world, particularly as the unforgettable voice of Lilo, a character that continues to resonate with generations of Disney fans.