By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
The official cause of death for former child actress Daveigh Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and portraying Samara Morgan in The Ring, has been released nearly two weeks after her death at age 35.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Chase died on June 16 from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The medical examiner’s report also listed chronic polysubstance use as a significant contributing condition. Her death was ruled natural.
Before the official report was released, Chase’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, said she had been hospitalized with meningitis and multiple serious blood infections that led to sepsis. Hernandez launched a GoFundMe campaign while she was hospitalized, writing that doctors had warned she “may not have much time left.”
Chase’s mother, Cathy Chase, told the New York Daily News that she initially believed reports of her daughter’s death were false until she saw multiple news outlets confirming it. She described the realization as overwhelming and said she ran outside screaming in grief after learning the news.
Chase rose to fame as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable child actors, earning acclaim for her performances in The Ring, Lilo & Stitch, Donnie Darko, and the English-language version of Spirited Away. Her performances left a lasting mark on a generation of moviegoers and animation fans.