The Ring and Lilo & Stitch star Daveigh Chase has died aged 35 after critical illness

Daveigh Chase, the former child actress best known for voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and playing Samara Morgan in the American remake of The Ring, has died at the age of 35.

According to TMZ, Chase died on Tuesday, June 16th, after developing meningitis and a serious blood infection that reportedly led to septic complications and organ failure.

The outlet reports that Chase had been admitted to a Los Angeles hospital earlier this month due to malnutrition. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, told TMZ that her condition worsened after she was diagnosed with meningitis and multiple blood infections.

Chase rose to fame at a young age thanks to several high-profile film and TV roles. In 2002, she voiced Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s animated hit Lilo & Stitch.

That same year, she terrified audiences as Samara Morgan, the supernatural antagonist at the centre of horror blockbuster The Ring. Her performance earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.

She also voiced Chihiro Ogino in the English-language version of Hayao Miyazaki’s acclaimed animated film Spirited Away.

As she grew older, Chase continued acting, landing a recurring role as Rhonda Volmer in HBO drama Big Love. Her other screen credits included Donnie Darko, Beethoven’s 5th, ER, Mercy, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

In recent years, Chase largely stepped away from the spotlight, although her performances in Lilo & Stitch, Spirited Away, and The Ring continued to earn her a devoted fanbase.

Following news of her illness, a GoFundMe page was set up. It reads, “Daveigh Chase, my girlfriend, has always been a light in my life. Many people know her as a talented childhood actor from Lilo & Stitch, Spirited Away, and ‘Donnie Darko.

“But behind the scenes, she’s faced more than her share of hardship. After a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, Daveigh was bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown LA. 

“When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved. Together, we found moments of happiness and hope. Recently, everything changed. Daveigh was diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections. 

“Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left. All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe, and be happy. 

“Now, more than ever, I want to give her that sense of home and peace in her final days. I understand we all go through things, but if you can help, I will be really grateful for anything. And if you can only give a prayer, I will take that too. Thank you for considering helping us during this difficult time.”

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