Actress Daveigh Chase, widely recognized for her iconic roles as a child star in Lilo & Stitch and the horror film The Ring, has reportedly died at the age of 35. According to multiple media outlets, including Page Six and TMZ, the actress passed away after facing serious health complications involving meningitis and a severe bloodstream infection. Reports suggest that Chase had recently been hospitalized in Los Angeles after becoming seriously ill.
Her condition is said to have worsened rapidly due to complications related to meningitis and sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that can affect multiple organs in the body. According to statements attributed to her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, her body eventually began to shut down following the progression of the illness.
Born on July 29, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Daveigh Chase began her career at a very young age and quickly rose to prominence in Hollywood. She became a familiar name in the early 2000s, earning recognition for her talent in both voice acting and on-screen performances. Her early success made her one of the notable child stars of her generation.
One of her most beloved roles came in 2002 when she voiced Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s animated hit Lilo & Stitch. The film became a global success and remains a fan favorite to this day, with Chase’s voice performance playing a major role in bringing the character to life. Her work in the film helped establish her as a rising young talent in the entertainment industry.
In the same year, Chase also appeared in the psychological horror film The Ring, where she portrayed Samara Morgan, one of the most recognizable characters in modern horror cinema. Her chilling performance left a lasting impact on audiences and earned her critical attention, including an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.
Beyond these two major roles, Chase continued to build her career with appearances in several notable projects. She provided the English voice for Chihiro in Spirited Away, further showcasing her versatility as a voice actress. She also appeared in films such as Donnie Darko and the HBO television series Big Love, expanding her work into both film and television.
In reports shared prior to her passing, her boyfriend Roy Hernandez described Chase as someone who had faced many personal struggles throughout her life but continued to show kindness and warmth to those close to her. He also reflected on their shared dreams of building a peaceful and stable home together.
According to his statement, one of Chase’s deepest wishes was to have a safe and comforting environment where she could feel secure and at peace. Hernandez expressed sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the emotional bond they shared and the hopes they had for the future.
Following the news, fans of Chase have begun sharing tributes across social media, remembering her performances that defined a generation of early 2000s cinema and animation. Many highlighted her ability to transition between innocent childhood roles and darker, more complex characters.
At this time, details surrounding her passing remain based on early reports from media sources, and official confirmation may still evolve as more information becomes available. Her reported death has left many fans and colleagues reflecting on her lasting contribution to film and voice acting.
Daveigh Chase’s legacy continues through her work in both animation and live-action cinema, where she made a strong impression at a very young age. From voicing one of Disney’s most beloved characters to portraying one of horror’s most unforgettable figures, her career remains widely recognized and remembered by audiences worldwide.
Rest in peace, Daveigh Chase.