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Lilo & Stitch star Daveigh Chase's cause of death was Aids

June 29, 2026

Daveigh Chase, the 35-year-old actress known for voicing Lilo in Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" and playing the ghostly Samara in "The Ring," died from AIDS-related complications, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The examiner also noted chronic polysubstance use as a contributing factor, though the death was ruled natural. Chase, who began acting at age four and achieved success as a child star in the early 2000s, had retired from full-time acting in 2015 and was reportedly homeless in Los Angeles at the time of her death.

Who is affected

  • Daveigh Chase (deceased actress)
  • John David Schwallier (her father)
  • Chase's boyfriend (who was living with her)
  • John Ryan Jr (her manager)
  • Fans of "Lilo & Stitch," "The Ring," "Spirited Away," "Donnie Darko," and "Big Love"

What action is being taken

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Why it matters

  • This death is significant because it highlights the tragic decline of a former child star who achieved considerable success in prominent Hollywood projects during the early 2000s. Chase's death at just 35 years old from AIDS, combined with her homelessness and substance abuse issues, underscores the challenges faced by some child actors transitioning to adulthood and the ongoing public health concerns surrounding HIV/AIDS and addiction. Her acclaimed performances in beloved films like "Lilo & Stitch" and cult classics like "The Ring" made her a recognizable figure to multiple generations of audiences.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC