The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of actress Daveigh Chase, who has passed away at the age of 35. Chase, widely recognized for her iconic voice work as Lilo Pelekai in the beloved animated classic Lilo & Stitch, died on Tuesday.
According to reports from TMZ, Chase’s passing was the result of complications from meningitis and a blood infection, which led to septic issues from which she was unable to recover. Her partner, Roy Hernandez, confirmed the tragic news regarding her health struggles and subsequent death.
Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chase established a prolific career in both film and television. Beyond her central role in Lilo & Stitch, she reprised the character for Stitch! The Movie and the extensive Lilo & Stitch: The Series. Her live-action film credits were equally notable, including standout performances in the cult classic Donnie Darko and the horror hit The Ring, the latter of which earned her an MTV Movie Award.
Chase’s television career was marked by a significant role as Rhonda Volmer in the acclaimed HBO series Big Love, alongside appearances in popular shows such as ER and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Following a brief return to film in 2016, she largely stepped away from the public eye.
In recent years, Chase faced significant personal challenges, including struggles with addiction and periods of reported homelessness. In the final days before her passing, Hernandez had established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with mounting medical expenses, noting that she had been hospitalized in June due to severe malnutrition.