American actress Daveigh Chase, best known for her role in the horror film The Ring and as the voice of Lilo Pelekai in Disney's Lilo & Stitch, has died at the age of 35. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, confirmed the news to American entertainment outlet TMZ.
Cause of Death and Final Days
According to Hernandez, Chase passed away on June 16, 2026, due to meningitis and a blood infection. He stated that she had been hospitalized in Los Angeles earlier in June because of malnutrition. The exact circumstances surrounding her hospitalization have not been disclosed, but her family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Chase's sudden death has shocked fans and colleagues who remembered her as a talented and vibrant performer.
Career Highlights
Chase began her acting career as a child, gaining widespread recognition for her role as Samara Morgan in the 2002 American horror film The Ring, a remake of the Japanese film Ringu. Her portrayal of the ghostly girl became iconic in the horror genre.
That same year, she voiced the lead character Lilo Pelekai in Disney's animated feature Lilo & Stitch. The film was a critical and commercial success, leading to several sequels and spin-offs. Chase reprised her role as Lilo in Stitch! The Movie (2003), the television series Lilo & Stitch: The Series (2003–2006), and the direct-to-video film Leroy & Stitch (2006).
Beyond these roles, Chase appeared in other television shows and films, including Big Love, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Her last credited role was in the 2019 short film American Christmas.
Reactions and Legacy
Fans and fellow actors took to social media to express their condolences. Many highlighted her contributions to film and animation, noting that her voice work as Lilo helped define a generation of Disney fans. Hernandez described her as a "bright light" who brought joy to everyone around her.
Chase's death is a reminder of the serious nature of meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by bacterial or viral infections. The condition can progress rapidly and requires immediate medical attention.
