Daveigh Chase, the actress who voiced the beloved character Lilo Pelekai in Disney's 2002 animated film Lilo & Stitch, has died at the age of 35. She passed away on Tuesday, June 16, following a sudden health battle.
Cause of Death
Her partner, Roy Hernandez, confirmed to TMZ that Chase died of meningitis after being hospitalized earlier this month due to malnutrition. He stated that she had an infection in her blood, which led to septic issues and ultimately caused her body to shut down.
Final Days
Shortly before her death, Hernandez launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Chase. In the fundraiser, he wrote about her difficult upbringing and their shared hope for a peaceful life together. The page had raised only $30 of its $5,000 goal at the time of her passing.
Tributes from Fans
Fans took to social media to express their grief. One wrote: "Rest in peace, Daveigh Chase. Her performances left a real mark on film and animation history, especially for a whole generation growing up with her work." Another fan shared: "Chase played so many of my childhood favorites; this is so heartbreaking. She was so young." A third fan commented: "I am so, so sorry to hear this. Lilo and Stitch has always been one of my favorites, but I also loved her for playing Chihiro in the English dub of Spirited Away. This is tragic."
Career Highlights
Chase began her career with small roles on television shows such as Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Charmed, and ER. In 2001, she played Samantha Darko in the cult classic Donnie Darko alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Drew Barrymore. The following year, she starred as the terrifying Samara Morgan in the horror film The Ring.
After the success of Lilo & Stitch, Chase voiced Lilo in the television series from 2003 to 2006, as well as in the films Stitch! The Movie and Leroy & Stitch. She was temporarily replaced by Dakota Fanning for Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch in 2005. Chase also appeared in the sitcom Oliver Beene and shows like Without a Trace. Her final on-screen role was in the 2016 film American Romance.
